Contains many strict provisions, including bulldozer action
Jaipur (Rajasthan) – The BJP Government here has officially implemented the ‘Anti-Conversion Act’ in the State. According to this law, it is now mandatory to take prior permission from the Government if anyone wants to change their religion; however, this law will not be applicable for ‘ghar wapsi’, i.e. those returning to their original religion. This law has come into effect from November 1st after the State Government’s Home Department issued a ‘Gazette Notification’ in this regard. Now all crimes related to conversion will be registered under this law.
Provisions in the law
1. Even if someone wants to change their religion of their own free will, Government permission will be required.
2. Cases of ghar wapsi will be exempted from this law, i.e. if a person’s ancestors belonged to Sanatani (Hindu) religion and the person has been following another religion for a few generations, then it will be considered ghar wapsi.
3. Bulldozer action may be taken on the buildings where mass conversions are being carried out.
4. There is a provision for life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh for illegal conversion.
Opposition enraged
The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly had approved the bill on 9th September 2025; however, the opposition strongly opposed the bill, calling it ‘divisive and unnecessary’. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully said that not a single case of ‘Love Jihad’ has been registered in the State. Therefore, there is no need for such a law.
The BJP responded by saying that the incidents of conversion through intimidation, pressure and inducement had increased in the State, especially in rural areas, and women were being persecuted for converting. That is why the law was needed.
Third attempt to enact the law successful
This is the third attempt to bring an ‘anti-conversion law’ in Rajasthan. Similar bills were passed in 2005 and 2008; but they could not be implemented due to absence of Governor’s consent. All three times, the BJP was in power in the State, while the Congress was in power at the Centre.
Rajasthan’s ‘anti-conversion law’ is the strictest in the country
There are anti-conversion laws in 12 States of the country; however, experts say Rajasthan’s law is the most stringent. Some social and religious organizations have announced to challenge this law in the Supreme Court. Cases against anti-conversion laws in all the previous States are already pending in the Courts.
Source : Sanatan Prabhat
