Jaipur – The Rajasthan Assembly on Tuesday passed the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, which introduces life imprisonment for mass conversions through fraudulent means. The law also sets heavy fines and jail terms for conversions involving minors, women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and persons with disabilities.
During the debate, BJP MLA Gopal Sharma directly addressed Muslim Congress legislators Rafeek Khan and Amin Kagzi, asking them to “return to their original religion.” His remarks highlighted the ruling party’s alignment of the Bill with the Sangh parivar’s “ghar wapsi” campaign, which frames conversions to Hinduism as a return to ancestral faith.
The Bill provides seven to 14 years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 5 lakh for fraudulent conversions. Conversions involving vulnerable groups would attract 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of at least Rs 10 lakh. Mass conversions through unlawful means are punishable with 20 years to life imprisonment along with a fine of not less than Rs 25 lakh.
The legislation also criminalises receiving foreign or illegal funds for conversions, prescribing up to 20 years in prison and fines of Rs 20 lakh. Properties used for such activities could be seized, and marriages conducted for conversion purposes could be annulled. Voluntary conversions require prior notice to the district magistrate.
While the BJP-backed Bill was passed, the opposition Congress boycotted the debate, alleging increased surveillance in the assembly.
