Rajasthan Proposes New Anti-Conversion Bill With Stricter Punishments, Exempts ‘Ghar Wapsi’

The Bhajan Lal Sharma government in Rajasthan on Sunday (31 August) unveiled a tougher anti-conversion Bill that introduces life imprisonment and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for repeat offenders, reported The Indian Express.

The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, will be tabled in the Monsoon Session of the Assembly starting Monday (1 September).

Law and Legal Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, along with Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa and Cabinet Minister Sumit Godara, announced the provisions at a press conference.

Patel said the Bill aims to stop religious conversions carried out through inducement or fraud. The Cabinet cleared the draft on Sunday, replacing the earlier version introduced in February but never debated.

The Bill excludes returning to one’s “original ancestral religion” from the definition of conversion. “If someone returns to their mool (original) religion, which we call ghar wapsi, then these provisions will not be applicable to them,” Patel clarified.

If passed, offenders could face 7–14 years in prison and a fine of at least Rs 5 lakh. Unlawful conversions of minors, women, SC/ST members, or differently abled people would attract 10–20 years’ jail and a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh.

Mass conversions would invite 20 years to life imprisonment and at least Rs 25 lakh in fines. Special cases involving force, trafficking, or marriage promise could lead to life imprisonment and fines starting at Rs 30 lakh.

Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully condemned the Bill as an attempt to divert attention from inflation, unemployment, and corruption.

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