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Context:

A bill was introduced in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly to prohibit "unlawful" religious conversions.

Details

The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, tabled in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, is part of a broader trend in India where several states have introduced or passed laws aimed at curbing "unlawful" religious conversions.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The Bill defines unlawful conversion as religious conversion carried out through:

• Physical violence or threats.
• Psychological pressure or intimidation.
• Offering cash, material benefits, employment, free education, etc.
• Misrepresentation or deceit.

Marriages conducted solely for the purpose of religious conversion (or vice versa) will be declared void.

The burden of proof lies on the accused (the person who caused the conversion) to prove that the conversion was not unlawful. This reverses the usual legal principle of presumption of innocence.

Blood relatives (parents, siblings, etc.) or anyone related by marriage or adoption can file an FIR in cases of suspected unlawful conversion.

Punishments:

• General Cases: 1 to 5 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹15,000.
• Targeting Vulnerable Groups: If the conversion involves a minor, woman, or SC/ST individual, the punishment increases to 2 to 10 years with a fine of ₹25,000.
• Mass Conversions: 3 to 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹50,000.
• Repeat Offenders: Punishment can be doubled for subsequent offenses.
• All offenses under the Bill are cognizable (police can arrest without a warrant) and non-bailable (bail is not a right and is granted at the discretion of the court).

Individuals wishing to convert voluntarily must follow a lengthy process:

• Submit a declaration form to the District Magistrate (DM) 60 days in advance.
• The person performing the conversion must notify the DM 30 days in advance.
• The DM will conduct an enquiry through the police to verify the intent and purpose of the conversion.
• After conversion, the individual must submit a declaration within 60 days and appear before the DM within 21 days to confirm the conversion.

Failure to comply with these procedures can result in 3 to 5 years of imprisonment and fines.

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Source: 

INDIAN EXPRESS