The Rajasthan Cabinet recently approved the Anti-Conversion Bill aimed at preventing forced religious conversions in the state. The bill, which has been passed by the cabinet, will now be introduced in the state legislature during the upcoming parliamentary session.
The move has sparked discussions on the government's commitment to ensuring religious freedom while addressing issues surrounding unlawful conversions.
Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa explained that the bill proposes stringent punishments to tackle forced conversions.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals found guilty of engaging in or promoting forced religious conversions could face imprisonment ranging from one to five years.
Bairwa further highlighted the need for this bill, saying that people were being lured into conversions without fully understanding the consequences. The government studied similar policies from other states to frame an effective strategy and categorise punishments accordingly.
Rajasthan's Chief Minister, Bhajan Lal Sharma, reinforced that the bill would prevent individuals or institutions from using force, fraud, or any form of undue influence to convert others.
He emphasised that the government's goal is to curb all forms of illegal conversions, which include those carried out through misleading information or inducement.
The Chief Minister's social media post further underlined the commitment of the Rajasthan government to protect individuals from forced conversions.
A notable aspect of the bill is its provision regarding marriage for the purpose of illegal conversion. If a person marries with the intention of converting someone, the family court will have the authority to declare such marriages invalid.
This provision aims to address the exploitation of marriages as a means of coercing individuals into religious conversion.
The Rajasthan Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Jogaram Patel, shared his optimism regarding the bill, stating that the measures taken by the cabinet would lead to significant progress in the state.
He stressed that these steps would open new avenues for development, public welfare, and overall prosperity in Rajasthan. Patel also called on everyone to participate in this collective effort to establish Rajasthan as a leading and prosperous state, one that fosters social harmony and cultural upliftment.
The approval of this bill marks a significant development in Rajasthan's legislative efforts to tackle forced conversions. It also indicates the government's intention to strengthen religious and cultural integrity while ensuring that people are not coerced into changing their faith against their will.
The introduction of the bill in the upcoming legislative session is expected to generate further debate and discussion regarding its potential impact on society.
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