The Rajasthan Cabinet approved the contentious Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill 2024 on November 30. Chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the bill provides compensation of ₹5 lakh ($5,900 USD) for victims of forcible conversion and jail terms of up to 10 years for offenders.
Under the proposed law, individuals wishing to convert to another religion must inform the District Collector at least 60 days in advance. The District Magistrate will investigate the matter to ensure the conversion is voluntary and free from inducements or undue influence.
Offences under the bill will be classified as non-bailable and cognizable. The bill includes provisions for varying punishments based on the nature of the offence. First-time violators could face imprisonment of one to five years, while repeat offenders may be jailed for up to 10 years. Special emphasis is placed on protecting vulnerable groups, with stricter penalties for the conversion of minors, women, and individuals from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Imprisonment will be between two to 10 years and a ₹25,000 (approx. 300 USD) fine for converting minors, women, or people from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The imprisonment could extend to three to 10 years and a ₹50,000 (590 USD) fine for large-scale conversions.
Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa said, “People were lured into converting their religion which they did not know. We analysed similar policies from other states as well. We have categorised the punishments accordingly so that forced religious conversions can be stopped.”
Law Minister Jogaram Patel stated, “Any person above 18 can wilfully convert following the due process of law... freedom of religion is a fundamental right. We are only trying to curb forceful conversions.”
The bill stipulates that any marriage conducted under duress or through inducements is liable to be annulled. It also requires a 30-day notice for any conversion ceremony, and the concerned person must inform the collector through an affidavit within 60 days post-conversion.
However, the opposition accused the BJP of polarizing society. Former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said, “Anti-conversion law was already in force in the state and the BJP government has made some cosmetic changes to portray to the public that it is doing some work.”
Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasara alleged, “The BJP government wants to distract attention from issues of people’s welfare.” He claimed the BJP is dividing Hindus and Muslims for political gains.
This marks the BJP’s third attempt to pass an anti-conversion law in Rajasthan, with previous efforts in 2006 and 2008 facing opposition from the Congress, human rights groups, and minorities. The 2006 bill carried a punishment of two to five years in jail and a fine up to ₹50,000 (590 USD) for violators. The 2008 bill included provisions like mandating prior approval from the District Collector.
In the absence of a law, the Rajasthan High Court issued guidelines in 2017 to prevent “forcible conversions”, empowering District Collectors to take appropriate action.
If enacted, Rajasthan will become the 12th state with an anti-conversion law, joining Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and others. The Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion law, passed in February 2023, is considered one of the most stringent, prescribing a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to ₹50,000 (590 USD) for conversion under marriage, fraud, coercion, or enticement.
Karnataka enacted a similar law in 2022 but repealed it in June 2023 after the Congress came to power. With the BJP in power both in the state and at the centre, the Rajasthan bill is expected to be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session and pushed through despite the opposition.
