Uttarakhand cabinet approves Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2025, a strong blow to illegal conversion

News Topical, Digital Desk : The cabinet of the Pushkar Singh Dhami government of Uttarakhand has approved the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2025, under which strong provisions have been added for stringent penalties on illegal conversion, ban on propaganda through digital medium and protection of victims. Under this, a detailed definition of inducement has also been given, under which gifts, cash / goods benefits, employment, free education, promise of marriage, hurting religious sentiments or glorifying another religion have all been included in the category of crime. 

There is a provision for punishment for violation of rules

Under this law, promoting or inciting conversion through social media, messaging apps or any online medium will be considered a punishable offense. There is a provision of 3-10 years of imprisonment for general violation of this law. Apart from this, in cases related to sensitive sections, there is a provision of 5 to 14 years, in serious cases there is a provision of 20 years to life imprisonment and heavy fine. Along with this, there is also a provision of strict punishment for marrying by hiding religion. Apart from this, provision for the rights, protection, rehabilitation, medical, travel and maintenance expenses of the victim has also been made under this law. 

What did the state government say?

While approving this bill, the state government said that this law will protect the religious rights of the citizens, prohibit conversion by fraud, inducement or pressure and maintain social harmony. In fact, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government of Uttarakhand held a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. A total of 26 proposals were presented during this meeting. The most important proposal in this was amendment in the anti-conversion law. A total of 16 important decisions were taken in the cabinet meeting. In this episode, a decision has also been taken regarding the conversion law, after which the conversion law has become even more strict.  

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