Rajasthan Enforces Anti-Conversion Law With Life Imprisonment And Rs 50 Lakh Fine For Offenders

Rajasthan Anti-Conversion Bill 2025: After a long period of controversy and political debate in Rajasthan, the anti-conversion bill has finally been enacted into law. It was passed by voice vote in the Legislative Assembly and approved by Governor Haribhau Bagde. A gazette notification has also been issued, making the law effective in the state.

Name of the law

Rajasthan's new law will be known as the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2025. Under this law, anyone who forcibly, induces, or deceptively converts someone will be punished with life imprisonment and a fine of up to 50 lakh rupees. Furthermore, all crimes related to religious conversion will be non-bailable, meaning the accused will not easily obtain bail. Such cases will be heard in the Sessions Court to ensure strict and swift action.

'Ghar Wapsi' will not be considered as conversion

The law clarifies that a person's return to their original religion will not be considered a religious conversion. This means that converting from Sanatan Dharma to another religion and then returning to their original religion will not be considered a crime.

Strict provisions on mass conversion

The new law also makes strict provisions against mass religious conversions. If any building or site is found to be involved in mass religious conversions, it is also authorized to demolish that site with a bulldozer. This provision is not yet present in the laws of any other state in the country, making Rajasthan's law considered the strictest.

Success in becoming law for the third time

This was the third attempt to enact a religious conversion law in Rajasthan. Previously, bills were passed by the Assembly in 2005 and 2008, but both times the Governor's approval was not obtained, resulting in the law failing to become law. It was only in 2025 that the bill finally became law.

Preparing to challenge the Supreme Court

Many social organizations and opposition parties are objecting to this law. They say it violates the right to religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. Some organizations are preparing to challenge it in the Supreme Court. It is worth noting that 12 other states already have anti-conversion laws in place, and their cases are pending in the Supreme Court.

Reactions from the ruling party and the opposition

BJP leaders welcomed the Governor's decision and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. They said this would curb incidents of forced religious conversions in the state. Meanwhile, other opposition parties, including the Congress and the Bharat Adivasi Party, questioned the government's move, saying the law could increase social polarization.

The Rajasthan religious conversion law is now in effect, but its implications and legal controversies will become clearer in the future. This law not only seeks to regulate religious conversion but has also become the focus of political and social debate.