The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025 was passed by the state assembly in September 2025. It prohibits conversions by force, coercion, allurement, marriage, misrepresentation, and online solicitation. Penalties range from 7–14 years' imprisonment (general cases) to 10–20 years (conversions targeting women, minors, SC/ST) to life imprisonment for mass conversions. Properties used for mass conversion can be confiscated. The law requires a person wishing to convert voluntarily to give a declaration at least 90 days in advance to the District Magistrate or authorised Additional District Magistrate, while the religious convertor/priest must give two months' advance notice. Critics argue it criminalises interfaith marriages and infringes upon fundamental rights of religious freedom (Article 25) and personal liberty (Article 21).
Rajasthan Assembly Passes Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill 2025
The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025 was passed by the state assembly in September 2025. It prohibits conversions by force, coercion, allurement, marriage, misrepresentation, and online solicitation. Penalties range from 7–14 years' imprisonment (general cases) to 10–20 years (conversions targeting women, minors, SC/ST) to life imprisonment for mass conversions. Properties used for mass conversion can be confiscated. The law requires a person wishing to convert voluntarily to give a declaration at least 90 days in advance to the District Magistrate or authorised Additional District Magistrate, while the religious convertor/priest must give two months' advance notice. Critics argue it criminalises interfaith marriages and infringes upon fundamental rights of religious freedom (Article 25) and personal liberty (Article 21).
Key facts
- Rajasthan Assembly passed the Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill 2025.
- The bill prohibits conversions by force, coercion, allurement, marriage and online solicitation.
- General case penalties range from 7-14 years' imprisonment.
- Conversions involving women, minors or SC/ST carry 10-20 years' imprisonment.
- Mass conversions attract life imprisonment under the new law.
- The law places the burden of proof on the person accused of conversion.
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What is the maximum penalty for mass conversions under the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill 2025?
The bill imposes life imprisonment for mass conversions and allows properties used for mass conversion to be confiscated. General penalties range from 7 to 14 years, and 10 to 20 years when targeting women, minors or SC/ST.
Source: PRS India / ProKerala
Frequently asked questions
What methods of religious conversion does the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill 2025 prohibit?
The bill prohibits conversions carried out by force, coercion, allurement (inducement through gifts, money or material benefit), marriage, misrepresentation, or online solicitation. All such conversions are declared unlawful and punishable under the Act.
What are the penalties prescribed under the Rajasthan Unlawful Conversion Bill 2025?
General case penalties range from 7 to 14 years' imprisonment. Conversions involving women, minors, or members of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes carry 10 to 20 years' imprisonment. Mass conversions attract life imprisonment, and properties used for mass conversion can be confiscated.
What must a person wanting to convert voluntarily do under the new Rajasthan law?
Under the Rajasthan Unlawful Conversion Bill 2025, a person wishing to convert voluntarily must give a declaration at least 90 days in advance to the District Magistrate or authorised Additional District Magistrate. The religion convertor and the religious priest who performs the ceremony must give two months' advance notice.
How does the Rajasthan Conversion Bill handle the burden of proof?
The Rajasthan Unlawful Conversion Bill 2025 places the burden of proof on the accused — meaning the person accused of conducting or facilitating a conversion must prove that it was voluntary and lawful. This reversal of the usual burden of proof has been a subject of legal debate.
What constitutional concerns have critics raised about the Rajasthan Conversion Bill?
Critics argue that the bill may violate Article 25 (freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion) and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution. Concerns have also been raised about its potential to criminalise interfaith marriages.
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