Rajasthan government introduces anti-conversion bill with strict penalties

The Rajasthan government has introduced the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, in the state Assembly. This bill makes forced or fraudulent religious conversions punishable by up to 10 years in jail and fines up to ₹50,000. The bill requires individuals wishing to convert to notify the District Magistrate 60 days in advance. It also increases penalties for conversions involving minors, women, or members of Scheduled Castes or Tribes, with jail terms of two to ten years. Previously, Rajasthan lacked specific laws against unlawful conversions. The new bill aims to address this gap and allows courts to award compensation of up to ₹5 lakh to victims.