New Delhi: The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has passed the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025, a move described by several socio-religious organizations as both “historic” and “long-awaited.”
The legislation introduces some of the country’s toughest measures against forced and fraudulent religious conversions, sparking intense debate over its implications for religious freedom, social harmony, and governance.
A Long-Standing Demand
Supporters of the bill, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), argue that for decades there has been growing concern about alleged coercive religious conversions in various parts of India, particularly in tribal and border regions such as Rajasthan.
VHP Spokesperson Shri Vinod Bansal said, “weaker sections of society—such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, minors, and economically disadvantaged groups—have often been vulnerable to inducement, deceit, or pressure.”
Shri Vinod Bansal emphasized that foreign-funded organizations have been repeatedly accused of supporting such conversions. He hailed the bill as a legal shield to protect what he describe as India’s “eternal culture” and a step towards preserving social stability and national security.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The new legislation imposes significantly harsher penalties for unlawful conversions.
- Conversions by force, deception, or inducement: Punishable with imprisonment ranging from 7 to 14 years and fines up to ₹5 lakh.
- Targeting vulnerable groups (minors, women, SC/STs, persons with disabilities): Punishable with 10 to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh.
- Mass conversions: Punishable with 20 years to life imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹25 lakh.
- Foreign-funded conversions: Punishable with 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and fines up to ₹20 lakh.
- Repeat offenders: Face life imprisonment and penalties up to ₹50 lakh.
All offenses under the bill have been made cognizable and non-bailable, meaning the police can arrest suspects without a warrant and courts may grant bail only under strict conditions.
Marriage and Institutional Crackdown
The law explicitly declares conversions through marriage invalid, addressing what is often referred to in political and social debates as “love jihad.” Beyond criminal penalties, the legislation empowers the state to confiscate or even demolish properties of institutions found guilty of organizing or facilitating religious conversions.
This “bulldozer action” provision, unique to Rajasthan’s law, is being highlighted as a deterrent against what supporters describe as organized conspiracies. Critics, however, have warned that such provisions may raise questions about due process and property rights.
Administrative Oversight
To ensure transparency, the law requires individuals planning to convert to another religion to submit a 90-day prior notice to the District Collector or Additional District Magistrate. Religious leaders conducting the ceremony must give a two-month notice.
The law specifically excludes “ghar wapsi” (returning to one’s ancestral faith) from the definition of conversion, arguing that such practices restore rather than alter religious identity.
VHP’s Position
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which has long campaigned against religious conversions, has welcomed the law as a culmination of years of activism. The organization claims to have “saved” over 40 lakh Hindus from conversion, repatriated nine lakh individuals to their ancestral faith, and rescued around 25,000 Hindu women allegedly trapped in fraudulent marriages.
According to the VHP, the Rajasthan government’s move is not isolated but part of a broader national trend. Similar laws, though less stringent, already exist in several states. The Parishad has renewed its call for a nationwide law to tackle what it describes as “systematic conspiracies” under the garb of religious freedom.
Government’s Stand
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s government has framed the bill as a response to repeated public demand and a step towards safeguarding vulnerable communities. The government insists that the law is not against voluntary religious conversions but specifically targets forced or fraudulent ones.
Officials point to Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom but subjects it to considerations of public order, health, and morality. According to the state government, illegal conversions amount to exploitation rather than the exercise of religious freedom.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite widespread support from certain sections, critics are expected to challenge the bill on constitutional grounds. Opponents argue that mandatory prior notices and administrative oversight could infringe upon the fundamental right to freedom of religion. Human rights advocates may also raise concerns about provisions such as bulldozer demolitions and the bill’s broad non-bailable status.
Legal experts have pointed out that while the Constitution allows restrictions on religious freedom in the interest of public order, any state action must also uphold fundamental rights and principles of due process.
A Model for Other States?
Supporters believe the Rajasthan law could serve as a template for other states and possibly influence central legislation. With provisions far stricter than those in earlier drafts—including life imprisonment for repeat offenders and financial penalties of up to ₹50 lakh—the bill has positioned Rajasthan at the forefront of the national debate on conversions.
The government has portrayed the legislation as not only a legal framework but also a cultural commitment. According to backers, by curbing illegal conversions and restricting foreign funding for such activities, the bill will protect India’s social fabric and ensure national integrity.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025 has stirred both applause and apprehension. For its supporters, particularly the VHP, it represents a long-overdue shield against exploitation and a landmark in safeguarding Indian culture. For critics, however, it raises serious concerns about constitutional freedoms and the potential for misuse.
As Rajasthan becomes the first state to adopt such sweeping measures—including bulldozer action and severe financial penalties—the legislation is likely to face both judicial scrutiny and national political debate. Whether it becomes a model law or a controversial flashpoint will depend on its implementation in the months ahead.
