Rajasthan Anti-Conversion Bill 2025 Explained: What Every Citizen Must Know

Rajasthan Anti-Conversion Bill 2025 is a new state law passed to stop conversions carried out through force, fraud, inducement, or marriage. In plain words, the law asks people who plan to change their religion to notify the district magistrate in advance and allows officials to check whether the decision is truly voluntary. This article explains the Rajasthan Anti-Conversion Bill 2025 in simple language — what it requires, the penalties, who it is meant to protect, and what every citizen should watch for.

Rajasthan has taken a bold step by passing the Rajasthan Freedom of Religion Bill 2025. The law aims to stop people from being forced, tricked, or lured into changing their religion—sometimes even through marriage. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma calls it a “way to protect vulnerable communities and keep social harmony.”

But critics, including Congress and human rights groups, call it a “threat to religious freedom”. They worry it could be misused to interfere in personal choices. With this, Rajasthan becomes the 12th Indian state with such a law.

So, what does this law really mean for you, your neighbors, and your community? Let’s break it down in simple words.

A Quick Look at History

Rajasthan has been trying to pass an anti-conversion law for almost 20 years. Earlier bills in 2006 and 2008 didn’t become law due to constitutional concerns. Even in 2017, courts only gave guidelines.

Now, in 2025, the BJP government pushed a stricter version. Despite opposition walkouts, the bill passed in the assembly. Experts warn that some vague terms like “allurement” could be misused, but the government says it’s needed to prevent forced conversions.

What the Bill Says – In Simple Words

1. What is illegal conversion?
   • Changing your religion through force, fraud, temptation, or marriage tricks.
   • Offering money, jobs, free education, medical aid, or fear of another religion to make someone change is banned.
   • Converting groups of people together is considered mass conversion.
   • Returning to your original religion (“Ghar Wapsi”) is allowed.
2. Steps to Convert Legally
   • Anyone wanting to convert must inform the District Magistrate 60 days before.
   • Officials may check with family, neighbors, and community to make sure it’s truly voluntary.
   • Religious leaders conducting the conversion must also notify authorities 30 days in advance.
3. Punishments
   • Normal illegal conversion: 5–10 years in prison + fine.
   • Mass conversion: 10 years to life imprisonment + up to ₹1 crore fine.
   • Conversions involving minors, women, or SC/ST individuals get double punishment.
   • Marriage used for conversion: marriage can be annulled, and victims may get ₹5 lakh compensation.
   • Properties used for mass conversions can be seized or destroyed.

Pros and Cons – What You Should Know

Pros:

• Protects vulnerable communities like tribals, Dalits, and the poor.
• Could help maintain peace and harmony.
• Gives clear rules for lawful conversions.
• Provides justice for victims, including compensation.

Cons:

• Critics say it violates religious freedom under the Constitution.
• Terms like allurement can be misused against interfaith couples or missionaries.
• Could create social tension and target minorities.
• May overload police and courts with extra cases.

What Happens Next?

The bill now awaits Governor and President’s approval. Human rights groups are planning to challenge it in the Supreme Court. How it’s applied on the ground will decide whether it protects people or becomes a tool for harassment.

FAQs – Simple Answers

The Rajasthan Freedom of Religion Bill 2025 is a bold move that tries to protect the vulnerable. But it also raises questions about personal freedom and privacy. Whether it becomes a shield or a chain depends on how fairly it’s enforced.