Overview
- Rajasthan will withdraw its February draft and introduce the stricter Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025 as the Monsoon Session opens.
- The proposal sets 7–14 years in jail with a minimum Rs 5 lakh fine for unlawful conversion, rising to life imprisonment and at least Rs 50 lakh for repeat offences.
- Penalties increase to 10–20 years for cases involving minors, women, persons with disabilities or SC/ST individuals, and to 20 years to life for mass conversions or coercion linked to marriage or trafficking.
- All offences are cognizable and non-bailable, the burden of proof shifts to the accused, marriages solely for conversion are void, and receiving foreign or unauthorised funding for conversion carries 10–20 years and a minimum Rs 20 lakh fine.
- The draft excludes returns to an original religion, permits cancellation of registrations, termination of state grants and property seizure or demolition after inquiry, and has drawn Opposition criticism over potential misuse.