An anti-conversion law came into force in Rajasthan on Thursday following Governor Haribhau Bagade’s assent to the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion Bill 2025.
The state assembly passed the bill exactly a month ago, on September 9, amid protests and a boycott by the opposition Congress. With the Governor’s signature and issuance of the requisite notification, the bill, in its revised form, has become effective as a law with effect from October 9, 2025.
The original bill was introduced in the budget session (January-March 2025) of the state assembly, but could not be passed during the session. Subsequently, some organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), made representations to the government requesting that the provisions and clauses of the Bill be made more effective, harsh, and stringent.
Hence, the old bill was withdrawn, and the revised version was reintroduced afresh in the monsoon session last month. It was finally passed on September 9, 2025.
In the revised version, with steep punishments and penalties, the Act is considered the most stringent among similar laws enacted by around a dozen other states.
The Act stipulates harsher provisions, including 7-10 year jail term to life imprisonment, fines ranging from Rs 5-10 lakh to Rs 1 crore depending on the category and the nature of the offence.
The new law also incorporates provisions for confiscating and demolishing the properties of those accused of involvement in mass conversions. Fines realised from the offenders will be paid to the victims, in addition to the compensation awarded by the court.