Rajasthan Cabinet approves Anti-Conversion Bill to curb forced religious conversions

Rajasthan govt’s crackdown on illegal religious conversions

The Rajasthan Cabinet has approved the Anti-Conversion Bill, aimed at curbing forced religious conversions in the state. The bill, titled “The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill-2024,” will be introduced in the state legislature during the upcoming parliamentary session.

Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa stated that the bill includes stringent penalties for those found guilty of engaging in forced conversions. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years.

“People were being lured into converting their religion without understanding it. We have studied similar policies from other states and categorized the punishments accordingly to prevent forced conversions,” Bairwa said.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized that the bill will make it illegal for individuals or institutions to convert someone’s religion through deceit, fraud, coercion, or undue influence.

“The Rajasthan government is committed to stopping illegal religious conversions. In the Cabinet meeting today, we decided to introduce the bill to stop conversions through inducement or fraud,” Sharma posted on X.

The proposed law also includes a provision that will give family courts the authority to declare marriages invalid if they are found to be conducted for the purpose of illegal religious conversion.

Rajasthan’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel highlighted the broader goals of the Cabinet’s decisions, stating that they would promote development, public welfare, and prosperity in the state.

“These decisions will establish new dimensions of development, public welfare, and prosperity in Rajasthan. Together, we can ensure social harmony and cultural upliftment,” Patel wrote on X.

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