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Rajasthan Government Approves Anti-Conversion Bill with Up to 10-Year Jail Terms

Dec 1, 2024, 05:10 AM

The Rajasthan government, led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, has approved an anti-conversion bill aimed at curbing forced religious conversions in the state. The 'Rajasthan Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Bill 2024' was given the green light during a cabinet meeting in Jaipur. It includes provisions for punishments ranging from three to ten years in prison. The legislation seeks to address instances where individuals are allegedly lured or coerced into changing their religion. The bill aligns with Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion but also allow for regulation in matters of public order, morality, and health. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, speaking in Jodhpur, has expressed support for the bill, stating that it ensures conversions cannot occur based on inducement. Additionally, the bill includes an 'Anti Love Jihad Bill' with provisions for up to 10-year jail terms for marriages conducted for the purpose of illegal conversion, and family courts will have the authority to declare such marriages invalid. The state government plans to introduce the bill in the upcoming assembly session.