Rajasthan to Introduce Bill Against Forced Religious Conversions

A move aimed at curbing forced and fraudulent religious conversions, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Rajasthan has announced plans to introduce a new bill in the upcoming Assembly session. The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill-2024 will seek to prevent religious conversions carried out through coercion, inducement, or fraud. The decision to table the bill was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday.
Rajasthan's decision to bring in this legislation follows similar laws introduced in various states across India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand. These states have already enacted laws to prevent forced conversions, and Rajasthan now looks set to join their ranks.

Key Provisions of the bill:

1. Criminalization of Forced Conversions: The bill proposes strict punishment for anyone who attempts to convert an individual through force, misrepresentation, or inducement. The punishment for these acts will be non-bailable and cognizable, meaning the accused can be arrested without a warrant.

2. Marriage-Based Conversions: If a marriage is found to have been conducted with the intention of converting a person’s religion, the family court can declare such a marriage invalid. This provision aims to prevent forced conversions disguised as marriage.

3. Voluntary Conversion Process: The bill mandates that anyone wishing to convert to another religion must give a written application to the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance. The magistrate will assess whether the conversion is voluntary or is being influenced by any external factors such as coercion or inducement.

The legislation is designed to protect individuals from being converted to another religion under pressure or manipulation. By enforcing strict procedures and penalties, the bill aims to ensure that religious conversions in the state occur through genuine belief rather than undue influence.

A Step Toward Protection of Religious Freedom:

Law and Legal Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel emphasized that the bill is aimed at safeguarding individuals' rights and preventing unlawful practices. He highlighted that, at present, Rajasthan lacks a specific law to address forced conversions, and this new bill will fill that gap. According to Patel, the law will empower authorities to take decisive action against those who attempt to influence religious beliefs through unlawful means.

The bill also provides for a legal framework to ensure that conversions are carried out in a transparent and voluntary manner. If the district magistrate determines that a conversion is not forced, the applicant will be allowed to proceed with the conversion process.

Joining the National Trend:

Rajasthan’s move to introduce this bill reflects a broader national trend, where several states have already enacted similar laws. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha, for instance, have passed laws targeting forced religious conversions, while others like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have introduced provisions aimed at regulating conversions. These laws aim to preserve the integrity of religious freedom and ensure that conversions are carried out without coercion.

While these laws have garnered support from various political factions, they have also sparked debate, with critics arguing that such laws could be misused to target minority communities or restrict individual freedoms. Supporters, however, argue that these laws are necessary to prevent exploitation under the guise of religious conversion. 

Conclusion:

With the introduction of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill-2024, the state aims to take a firm stand against forced and fraudulent religious conversions, while still allowing individuals the freedom to change their faith voluntarily. The bill promises strict penalties for offenders and a clear legal procedure for voluntary conversions, setting the stage for a broader debate on the balance between religious freedom and protection against exploitation.

As the bill moves toward being introduced in the legislative Assembly, it will undoubtedly attract attention from various quarters, both supporting and opposing its provisions. What remains clear is that Rajasthan is looking to take significant steps toward regulating conversions in the state while aligning itself with the growing number of states addressing this issue across India.