Rajasthan Proposes New Anti-Conversion Bill

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

Context

• The Rajasthan government has announced stringent provisions under its proposed Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025.

Key Provisions of the New Bill

• General offences: Unlawful conversions will invite imprisonment of seven to fourteen years and a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh. (Earlier: one to five years and ₹15,000 fine).
• Vulnerable groups: If the converted person is a minor, woman, differently abled, or from SC/ST communities, the punishment will be ten to twenty years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹10 lakh.
• Mass conversions: In cases of mass conversions, guilty parties face twenty years to life imprisonment along with a minimum fine of ₹25 lakh.
• Voluntary conversion procedures:
  • Individuals must submit a declaration to the District Magistrate (DM) 60 days before the conversion.
  • The convertor (priest/organiser) must also give a 30-day prior notice.
  • The DM will order a police inquiry to verify the intent of conversion.
  • After conversion, the individual must appear before the DM within 21 days to confirm their identity and declaration.
• Expanded definition of “allurement”: The bill defines allurement broadly, including promises of a better lifestyle, divine blessings, material benefits, or free education from a religious institution.
• FIR by family members: Blood relatives will be allowed to file an FIR if they suspect an unlawful conversion.
• Repeat offences: A repeat offender can face life imprisonment and a fine of ₹50 lakh. The state can also cancel the organisation’s registration, stop grants, and confiscate/demolish property used for illegal conversions.

Concerns

• Burden of proof: The accused has to prove innocence, making all offences cognizable and non-bailable.
• Misuse of provisions: Critics warn the bill could be used to harass minorities and interfaith couples, given its stringent provisions and reversal of burden of proof.

Source: IE