Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], December 1 (HBTV): The Rajasthan Cabinet has approved the Anti-Conversion Bill, aimed at curbing forced religious conversions. The bill will be presented in the state legislature during the upcoming session.

Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa stated that the proposed legislation includes stringent penalties, ranging from one to five years of imprisonment, to combat forced conversions. He said, 'People were lured into converting their religion unknowingly. We reviewed similar policies from other states and categorized punishments accordingly to stop forced religious conversions.'

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized the government's commitment to preventing illegal conversions. 'In the Cabinet meeting held today, it was decided to introduce The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill-2024 in the Assembly to stop attempts at conversion by inducement or fraud,' he posted on X.

Sharma added that the bill would prohibit any person or institution from using misleading information, fraud, force, or undue influence to convert someone's religion. He further noted that marriages conducted for the purpose of illegal conversions could be declared invalid by family courts.

Rajasthan's Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel highlighted the broader implications of the Cabinet's decisions, stating, 'These decisions will establish new dimensions of development, public welfare, and prosperity in the state. Let us ensure our participation in this campaign for a Rising Rajasthan with social harmony and cultural upliftment.' (ANI)