RAJASTHAN ANTI-CONVERSION BILL 2025

GS2 POLITY 

• Key Provisions:
  • Unlawful conversion classified as a cognisable and non-bailable offence.
  • Imprisonment up to 10 years and a ₹50,000 fine for offenders.
  • Criminalises conversions via misrepresentation, coercion, or fraudulent means.
  • Declaration to the District Magistrate required 60 days before any conversion.
• Penalties:
  • General offences: 1 to 5 years imprisonment and a ₹15,000 fine.
  • Involving minors, women, or SC/ST individuals: 2 to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹25,000.
  • Mass conversions: 3 to 10 years imprisonment and ₹50,000 fine.
• Background and Rationale:
  • Introduced to counter alleged forced conversions, including “love jihad” cases.
  • Government asserts the bill protects vulnerable groups from coercion.
• Opposition:
  • Criticised by the Congress party as fostering societal divisions.
  • Opposition urges the government to address pressing developmental issues.
• Victim Compensation:
  • Courts can award up to ₹5 lakh in compensation to victims.
  • Repeat offenders face double penalties as a deterrent measure.
• Secularism and Implications:
  • Asserts the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom does not permit coercive conversions.
  • Aims to balance religious rights with the maintenance of social harmony.