6 days ago
Goa Cabinet Approves Anti-Conversion Bill With Life Imprisonment Penalty
Goa’s cabinet has approved a proposed law about religious conversions.
The bill targets conversions carried out through force, fraud, pressure, gifts, or marriage.
People found guilty could receive long prison sentences, including life imprisonment.
They could also face fines and have to compensate victims.
A marriage made only to change someone’s religion could be declared invalid.
The bill suggests stronger punishments when the person converted is a child, woman, disabled person, or SC/ST member.
It also says priests or clerics involved could receive at least 10 years in prison.
The bill will now be presented to Goa’s assembly for consideration.
Goa’s cabinet approved the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026.
The bill proposes life imprisonment for conversions allegedly involving force, fraud, coercion, or marriage.
Offenders could face fines of at least Rs 50,000 and victim compensation up to Rs 5 lakh.
Marriages conducted solely to facilitate religious conversion could be declared void.
Enhanced penalties would apply when minors, women, disabled persons, or SC/ST members are converted.
- Who
- Goa’s cabinet approved the bill; offenders, including Hindu priests and Muslim clerics, could be punished under it.
- What
- The Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026, proposes penalties for unlawful religious conversions.
- Where
- Goa, with the bill to be introduced in the Goa state assembly.
- When
- The cabinet approved it before the state assembly’s monsoon session, scheduled to begin August 31; officials announced the decision on August 27.
- Why
- The bill aims to punish conversions allegedly carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraud, or marriage.
Key facts
- Bill name
- Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026
- Maximum punishment
- Up to life imprisonment
- General fine
- At least Rs 50,000
- Victim compensation
- Up to Rs 5 lakh
- Marriage provision
- A marriage conducted solely for religious conversion could be declared void
- Enhanced penalties
- Five to 14 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a minimum Rs 1 lakh fine for conversions involving minors, women, disabled persons, or SC/ST members
- Legislative status
- Approved by the cabinet and scheduled for introduction during the upcoming three-day monsoon session
Sources
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