Rajasthan's Anti-Conversion Bill: Safeguarding Officials or Silencing Citizens? 🤔🛑
- MediaFx
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
TL;DR: Rajasthan's new anti-conversion bill proposes strict penalties for forced religious conversions and grants immunity to officials acting "in good faith." While aiming to prevent coercion, this move raises concerns about potential misuse and the suppression of individual freedoms.
The Rajasthan government has introduced the "Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025," aiming to curb forced religious conversions. The bill proposes stringent punishments, including imprisonment ranging from one to ten years and hefty fines, especially when the victim is a minor, woman, or belongs to Scheduled Castes or Tribes. Notably, Section 13 of the bill provides protection to authorities from prosecution for actions taken "in good faith" under this law.
While the intent to prevent coercive conversions is understandable, the bill's provisions have sparked significant debate. Critics argue that granting immunity to officials could lead to misuse of power, resulting in harassment of innocent individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. There have been instances where people were falsely accused of illegal conversions and later acquitted by courts. This bill, by shielding officials, might not prevent such injustices but could potentially exacerbate them.
Moreover, the bill mandates that individuals intending to convert must submit a declaration to the district magistrate 60 days in advance. The person performing the conversion ceremony is also required to give a one-month notice. Post-conversion, individuals must send a declaration within 60 days, which will be displayed publicly. Such provisions could deter genuine conversions due to fear of public scrutiny or backlash, infringing upon personal freedoms.
The bill also addresses marriages conducted for the purpose of conversion, declaring them void if done solely for this reason. While this aims to tackle issues like "love jihad," it raises concerns about the state's intrusion into personal relationships and the autonomy of individuals to make personal choices.
In a democratic society, it's crucial to balance the prevention of coercive practices with the protection of individual rights. While the bill seeks to address forced conversions, its provisions, especially those granting immunity to officials and mandating public declarations, could lead to potential overreach and misuse. It's essential to ensure that laws do not become tools for harassment or suppression of personal freedoms.
In conclusion, while the Rajasthan government's intent to prevent forced conversions is commendable, the bill's current form raises concerns about potential misuse and infringement on individual rights. It's imperative to revisit and revise the bill to ensure it protects citizens without compromising their fundamental freedoms.
MediaFx believes in safeguarding individual freedoms and ensuring that laws serve to protect, not oppress, the working class.
