Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, making the state’s anti-conversion law among the toughest in India. The Bill will be tabled in the Assembly session starting August 19.
The new Bill increases punishments, expands the definition of “conversion,” and introduces fresh offences. Conversion now includes incitement or conspiracy through digital means such as emails, social media, and messaging apps. It also criminalises derogatory depictions of religious practices and glorification of one faith against another. Critics fear the vague wording may restrict criticism of religious institutions.
General cases of conversion will carry jail terms of three to ten years and fines. If the victim is a woman, minor, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or a person with disability, the punishment can extend up to 14 years with heavier fines. Mass conversions, defined as two or more people, will attract seven to 14 years in prison.
Use of threats, trafficking, or marriage as a ploy for conversion could lead to 20 years to life imprisonment. Severe penalties are also proposed for cases involving foreign or banned funding.
The Bill introduces a new clause stating that concealing religion for marriage will invite three to ten years in jail and a fine of ₹3 lakh. The District Magistrate can also seize property acquired through conversion-related offences. Unlike normal criminal cases, the burden of proof will lie on the accused.
The state government claims there is a rise in conversions, especially involving women. Interfaith couples under the Special Marriage Act have faced hostility from right-wing groups. BJP leaders continue to use the term “love jihad.”
This Bill adds to Uttarakhand’s series of major legislative measures. Earlier this year, it became the first state to pass a Uniform Civil Code, which is now under challenge in the High Court. The government also amended land laws to restrict outsiders from buying agricultural land in non-municipal areas.
