Anti-conversion laws serve as a crucial legislative measure to safeguard individuals from coercion, fraud, or undue influence in matters of faith. Rooted in the principles of freedom of religion and individual choice, these laws aim to protect vulnerable communities from being exploited under the guise of religious conversion. Enacted or proposed in several Bharatiya states, such regulations emphasize that the right to propagate religion does not include the right to force or fraudulently induce someone to change their faith. These laws also reaffirm the secular framework of the Bharatiya Constitution by ensuring that religious conversions occur only with the informed and voluntary consent of individuals.
As of now, twelve states in Bharat have either implemented or proposed anti-conversion laws to counter forced religious conversions especially to counter Islamism and Christianity. The latest addition to this framework is Rajasthan’s proposed Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2024. This bill, tabled on November 30, 2024, underscores the urgency of addressing fraudulent conversions by prescribing stringent penalties, including imprisonment ranging from one to five years. Similar legislations in other states highlight a growing consensus that fraudulent conversions pose a significant threat to communal harmony and social stability, necessitating strict legal deterrents to uphold religious freedom and public order.
This report presents a compilation of 12 states in Bharat where anti-conversion laws have been enacted or are under proposal in the legislative assembly. These laws aim to regulate and prevent forced religious conversions.
Rajasthan’s Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2024
The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2024, introduced on November 30, 2024, takes a decisive step to regulate and prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions. Based on the reports from The Indian Express, the bill strictly prohibits any individual or institution from converting someone’s religion through deception, fraud, coercion, or undue influence. To safeguard against conversions under false pretenses of marriage, family courts are empowered to invalidate such marriages if conducted with the intent of religious conversion. Additionally, voluntary conversions require individuals to notify the District Collector at least 60 days in advance, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The proposed legislation categorizes offences related to forced conversions as non-bailable and cognizable, underscoring the gravity of such acts. It prescribes stringent punishments, with imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years for general violations and harsher penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹50,000 when victims belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), minors, or women. This robust legal framework reflects the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and preserving the sanctity of individual choice in matters of religion.
Haryana’s Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2022
The Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2022, enacted on March 22, 2022, seeks to address and curb religious conversions carried out through fraudulent or coercive means. The act explicitly prohibits conversions achieved through misrepresentation, undue influence, force, allurement, or fraud. Furthermore, it criminalizes conversions conducted for or by marriage, reflecting the state’s firm stance against exploiting personal relationships for religious motives. This legislation treats such offences with utmost seriousness, categorizing them as non-bailable and cognizable.
The act prescribes stringent punishments to deter offenders, including imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years and a fine of at least ₹1 lakh for general violations. In cases involving vulnerable groups such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and minors, the penalties are significantly harsher, extending up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of at least ₹3 lakh. By implementing such provisions, Haryana reinforces its commitment to safeguarding individual freedoms and maintaining communal harmony.
Karnataka’s Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022
The Karnataka Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, formally enacted on May 13, 2022, is a robust legislative measure designed to curb forced religious conversions and unauthorized inter-religious marriages. The act underscores the state’s commitment to preserving individual choice and protecting vulnerable communities from coercion and exploitation in matters of faith. By addressing forced conversions and marriages conducted with the intent of religious conversion, the law seeks to uphold the principles of religious freedom and social harmony.
Under this act, offences related to forced conversions are classified as cognizable, ensuring swift legal action against violators. The law prescribes imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years and a fine of ₹25,000 for general offences. For cases involving Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), minors, or women, the penalties are significantly enhanced, with imprisonment of 3 to 10 years and a fine of ₹50,000. This stringent framework reflects Karnataka’s proactive stance in combating fraudulent conversions and protecting the rights of its citizens.
In 2023, the Karnataka Congress government decided to scrap or repeal the anti-conversion law enacted during the BJP tenure in 2022. The Congress government in Karnataka has been accused of being biased and allegedly indirectly supporting Islamists. This move to repeal the anti-conversion law reflects the Congress government’s jihadi mindset, which has raised concerns among various sections of society.
Madhya Pradesh’s Freedom of Religion Act, 2021
The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, enacted on March 27, 2021, is a comprehensive law aimed at protecting individuals from forced religious conversions. The act prohibits conversions achieved through misrepresentation, allurement, threats, force, undue influence, coercion, or fraudulent means, including those occurring under the guise of marriage. By explicitly disallowing conversion by marriage, the law ensures that matrimonial relationships are not exploited for religious motives. Additionally, individuals intending to convert voluntarily are mandated to provide a 60-day advance notice to the District Magistrate, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
Offences under this act are categorized as non-bailable and cognizable, reflecting their seriousness. General violations attract penalties of 2 to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹25,000. For offences involving Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or minors, the penalties are more severe, with imprisonment ranging from 3 to 10 years and a fine of ₹50,000. This legislative framework reinforces Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to safeguarding individual freedoms while preventing exploitation and maintaining communal harmony.
Uttar Pradesh’s Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021
The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, enacted on February 25, 2021, is a pivotal law designed to prevent unlawful religious conversions through coercive or deceptive means. The act explicitly prohibits conversions carried out via misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or fraudulent methods, including those carried out under the pretense of marriage. Its provisions aim to safeguard individual freedoms while maintaining societal harmony by preventing exploitation in matters of faith.
Classified as a non-bailable and cognizable offence, the act prescribes penalties of 1 to 5 years of imprisonment and fines for general violations. For cases involving Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or minors, the punishments are more severe, ranging from 2 to 10 years of imprisonment along with substantial fines. In July 2024, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed an amendment to further strengthen this law, enhancing its enforceability and extending its reach. This move reflects the state’s commitment to addressing the growing concerns surrounding forced and unlawful religious conversions.
Himachal Pradesh’s Freedom of Religion Act, 2019
The Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2019, came into effect on October 29, 2019, as a decisive measure to curb unlawful religious conversions in the state. This legislation explicitly prohibits conversions carried out through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, inducement, or fraudulent means, including those arising from marriage. Marriages conducted solely for the purpose of conversion are deemed null and void under the law, reinforcing its commitment to preventing exploitation in the guise of personal relationships.
Offences under this act are categorized as non-bailable and cognizable. Individuals intending to convert voluntarily are required to declare their intent at least one month in advance to the District Magistrate. The act prescribes imprisonment of 1 to 5 years along with fines for general violations. By enforcing such stringent provisions, Himachal Pradesh aims to safeguard the constitutional right to religious freedom while protecting its citizens from coercive or deceptive practices.
Uttarakhand’s Freedom of Religion Act, 2018
The Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2018, enacted on May 14, 2018, aims to safeguard individuals from coercive and fraudulent religious conversions. Based on the reports from Live Law, this act strictly prohibits conversions achieved through force, allurement, or fraudulent means, including those associated with marriage. The provision explicitly nullifies marriages conducted solely for the purpose of religious conversion, thereby ensuring that such unions are not misused for deceitful practices.
Offences under the act are designated as non-bailable and cognizable. Individuals intending to voluntarily convert must provide a declaration to the District Magistrate or an executive magistrate 30 days in advance. Additionally, the convertor must also notify the authorities one month prior to the conversion. The act stipulates imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years for general violations, and harsher penalties of 2 to 7 years for offences involving Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or minors. This framework underscores Uttarakhand’s commitment to protecting religious freedom while preventing exploitation and coercion.
Jharkhand’s Freedom of Religion Act, 2017
The Jharkhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2017, implemented on September 6, 2017, aims to prevent religious conversions induced by force, allurement, or fraudulent means, ensuring that the right to freedom of religion is protected. based on the reports from The Indian Express, unlike similar legislations in other states, the act does not explicitly prohibit conversion through marriage.
Classified as a non-bailable and cognizable offence, the act mandates that individuals who have converted must inform the District Magistrate within seven days of the conversion ceremony. Religious converters are also required to obtain prior permission by applying at least 15 days in advance. The law imposes a maximum penalty of three years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹50,000 for general violations. For offences involving Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or minors, the punishment increases to a maximum of four years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1,00,000, reinforcing its stance against exploitative practices.
Gujarat’s Freedom of Religion Act, 2003
The Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003, enacted on April 8, 2003, seeks to uphold the right to freedom of religion by prohibiting religious conversions achieved through force, allurement, or fraudulent means. As per reports from Live Law, it also includes provisions to prevent conversions resulting from marriage, categorically nullifying such conversions.
Classified as a cognizable offence, the act requires individuals who voluntarily convert to provide a notice to the District Magistrate within 10 days of the conversion ceremony, detailing the event. Violations of the act carry a maximum penalty of three years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹50,000. For offences involving Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or minors, the punishment increases to a maximum of four years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1,00,000, reflecting the state’s commitment to safeguarding communities against coercive practices.
Chhattisgarh’s Dharma Swatantraya Adhiniyam, 1968 (Amended in 2006)
The Chhattisgarh Dharma Swatantraya Adhiniyam, 1968, which was amended in 2006, aims to regulate and prevent religious conversions through coercion, allurement, or fraudulent means. Based on Hindustan Times, this act serves to protect individuals from being manipulated into changing their religion against their will. However, it does not prohibit conversion resulting from marriage, making it distinct from some other state laws.
The act designates violations as non-bailable and cognizable offences. Individuals wishing to voluntarily convert must seek permission from the local District Magistrate 30 days in advance. The District Magistrate can either accept or reject the request, with the option for the applicant to appeal to the District Judge within 30 days if the permission is denied. Violations are punishable with a maximum of three years imprisonment and a ₹20,000 fine. In cases involving Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or minors, the punishment increases to a maximum of four years imprisonment along with a ₹20,000 fine, underscoring the state’s efforts to protect vulnerable groups from exploitation.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Freedom of Religion Act, 1978
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, was enacted to prohibit religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraudulent means, aiming to protect individuals from coercive practices while ensuring freedom of religion. Based on Live Law reports, the act, however, does not specifically prohibit conversion by marriage, distinguishing it from similar laws in other states.
Classified as a cognizable offence, the act requires individuals wishing to voluntarily convert to provide a prior notice of at least 30 days to the Deputy Commissioner. Violators of the law may face a maximum of two years of imprisonment along with a fine of ₹10,000. The law does not specify distinct penalties for offences involving Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or minors, highlighting a focus on general protections against forced conversions.
Odisha’s Freedom of Religion Act, 1967
The Odisha Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, was designed to prevent religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraudulent means, ensuring individuals’ right to freely practice their faith. Based on the reeports from Latest law, however, the act does not prohibit conversions resulting from marriage, which sets it apart from more stringent state laws.
Under the act, any individual intending to convert must give a prior declaration before a First-Class Magistrate, indicating their intent to convert. Violations of the law are treated as cognizable offences. Punishments for unlawful conversions can include a maximum of one year of imprisonment and a ₹15,000 fine. In cases involving Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or minors, the punishment is more severe, with a maximum of two years imprisonment and a ₹10,000 fine, emphasizing the protection of vulnerable groups against exploitation.
The majority of laws enacted before 1990 did not specifically address conversion through marriage, leaving a loophole for such cases. If marriage is used as a tactic for conversion, it often went unaddressed in these laws. However, recent legislation has recognized forced marriages and manipulative tactics as forms of forced conversion, making them illegal. Many conversions of Hindus to Islam and Christianity have occurred under the guise of marriage, exploiting this loophole. It’s encouraging to see that recent bills have rectified this issue, closing the gap and making the laws more comprehensive and effective.
The Uttar Pradesh Assembly recently passed a revised version of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2024, commonly known as the love jihad law, which introduces stricter penalties for forced or illegal religious conversions. Offenders now face up to 20 years in prison or even life imprisonment if the conversion is carried out through threats, promises of marriage, or as part of a conspiracy, an increase from the previous maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine. The new Bill expands the scope for filing police reports, allowing anyone—not just the victims, their parents, or siblings—to report cases of unlawful conversion. It also mandates that these cases be heard in sessions courts and designates the crime as non-bailable.
On May 25, 2024, the Surat city police’s Crime Branch in Gujarat dismantled a Maulana module by arresting an associate of Maulana Abu Bakar from Bikaner, Rajasthan. The police revealed that the Maulana had forced several Hindu youths to participate in anti-Hindu activities by coercively converting them to Islam. With similar cases occurring daily across Bharat, such strict laws are crucial for ensuring vigilance and effectively preventing these unlawful activities.
Islamists often exploit loopholes in the system to coerce individuals, and many anti-national elements support these radical groups in pressuring people to convert to different religions. In light of the rising trend of religious exploitation, strict laws are essential to prevent such coercion and these unlawful practices.
