10 years in jail for forced religious conversion

Jaipur: The Cabinet meeting was held on Saturday at the CMO under the chairmanship of CM Bhajan Lal Sharma in which several significant decisions were made to accelerate the industrial and economic development of state. These include the approval of nine new policies, the formation of the 7th State Finance Commission, bringing ordinances for the establishment of development authorities in Bikaner and Bharatpur, amendments to the Rajasthan Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules-2017 in line with the recommendations of the Khemraj Committee, changes to various service rules, and the introduction of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill 2024.

Deputy CM Dr Prem Chand Bairwa and Law and Legal Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel informed that a bill titled “The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill2024” would be introduced in the Assembly to prevent inducement or deceitful forced religious conversions. He mentioned that the state currently lacks specific laws to stop such conversions, which is why cabinet approved the proposal. Under this bill, individuals or institutions will not be allowed to forcefully or deceitfully convert others’ religion. Punishment of 10 years in jail for forced religious conversion. Violators will face severe penalties, and if someone marries for purpose of illegal religious conversion, family court can declare marriage invalid. Bill classifies such acts as non-bailable and cognizable offenses.