Rajasthan Bill to Curb Unlawful Religious Conversions

Why in the news?

Rajasthan’s Legislative Assembly passed a bill aimed at preventing unlawful religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or allurement. It introduces stringent penalties and administrative procedures for voluntary and forced conversions, sparking significant debate.

Rajasthan Bill to Curb Unlawful Religious Conversions

Key Provisions of the Bill:

  • The bill prohibits religious conversions through coercion, misrepresentation, undue influence, allurement, or fraudulent means, including those for marriage or adoption.
  • Marriages conducted solely for unlawful conversions will be declared void.
  • A prescribed declaration form must be submitted to the District Magistrate (DM) within 60 days of conversion.

Legal Implications

  • Violators face imprisonment of 1 to 5 years and a minimum fine of ₹15,000.
  • Conversions involving minors, women, or members of Scheduled Castes/Tribes attract harsher punishments of 2 to 10 years and fines up to ₹25,000.
  • Mass unlawful conversions may lead to 3 to 10 years in prison with fines starting from ₹50,000.
  • Repeat offenders face double the punishment.
  • The burden of proof lies on the person or organization accused of facilitating the conversion.

Administrative Procedures and Safeguards

  • Blood relatives can lodge complaints in suspected cases of forced conversions.
  • Converts must appear before the DM within 21 days to verify their declaration.
  • A public notice of the conversion declaration is displayed at the DM office.
  • Voluntary conversions require a month’s advance notice to the DM, including details such as date and place of conversion, previous and new religions, and personal information.

Religious Conversion:

  • Definition: Adoption of a set of beliefs associated with one religious denomination, excluding others.
  • Process: Involves abandoning adherence to one denomination and affiliating with another.
  • Examples:
  • Christian: Baptist to Methodist or Catholic
  • Muslim: Shi’a to Sunni
  • Symbolism: Often marked by special rituals symbolizing a transformation of religious identity.
  • Significance: Religious conversion can be a personal, social, or spiritual decision depending on individual beliefs and cultural contexts.

The bill aims to protect vulnerable communities and uphold religious freedom by ensuring transparency in religious conversions while penalizing unlawful practices.