Anti-Conversion Bill Introduced in Rajasthan Assembly

Stricter Provisions Against Forced Religious Conversions and ‘Love Jihad’

Jaipur, February 3 – The RAJASTHAN government has introduced the “Rajasthan Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Bill, 2025” in the State Assembly to curb forced religious conversions. The bill was tabled by Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar on Monday and is expected to be debated during the Budget Session before being passed. The exact date for its passage will be announced later.

According to the provisions of the bill, even individuals opting for voluntary religious conversion will have to inform the District Collector at least 60 days in advance. This measure has been introduced to prevent fraudulent or coerced conversions under false pretenses.

Legal Measures Against ‘Love Jihad’ and Forced Conversions

One of the key provisions of the bill is aimed at curbing ‘Love Jihad’, a term used to describe marriages allegedly carried out with the intent of religious conversion. The bill explicitly defines ‘Love Jihad’ and states:

• If an individual marries solely for the purpose of religious conversion, it will be considered null and void.
• If it is proven in a court of law that the primary motive of the marriage was religious conversion, such marriages will be annulled.
• Family courts will have the authority to invalidate such marriages.

Additionally, the bill imposes harsh penalties for anyone found guilty of forcing or fraudulently inducing religious conversion.

Punishments for Violations Under the Proposed Bill

The bill includes strict legal provisions to deter forced religious conversions:

• One to five years of imprisonment for illegal conversions.
• Three to ten years of imprisonment for conversions involving minors, Scheduled Castes (SC), or Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• Severe penalties for mass conversions or cases where multiple conversions are facilitated through coercion, fraud, or financial inducements.

Government Justifies the Need for the Bill

Following the introduction of the bill, Parliamentary Affairs and Law Minister Jogaram Patel addressed the media, stating that such a law was long overdue in Rajasthan.

“This bill is necessary to prevent conversions through deceit, coercion, or financial inducements. Many organizations and individuals have been found luring people with money or misleading them into changing their religion. The issue is particularly prevalent in tribal areas and rural communities,” said Patel.

He further asserted that this law will act as a deterrent, ensuring that no person, especially women, is forced into conversion against their will. Patel firmly stated that the strict enforcement of the law will put an end to such activities.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over Government’s Intent

The Opposition, however, has questioned the government’s motives, with Leader of Opposition Tikaram Julie criticizing the timing and intent of the bill.

“The government’s stance is unclear. Instead of focusing on pressing issues like unemployment, inflation, and law enforcement, the government is trying to push its political agenda through this bill,” Julie said.

He added that if the government genuinely believes forced conversions are happening, it should conduct thorough investigations and take action against culprits instead of using the issue for political mileage.

Historical Context: Rajasthan’s Previous Attempts at Anti-Conversion Laws

The BJP-led Vasundhara Raje government had introduced a Religious Freedom Bill in 2008, but it faced legal and political hurdles. The Governor of Rajasthan refused to approve the bill, citing concerns raised by the Central Government over several contentious provisions. The bill remained in limbo for years due to objections at the state and central levels.

Last year, the Congress-led Ashok Gehlot government withdrew the earlier bill from the Centre, paving the way for the current legislation introduced by the new state government in 2025.