3 days ago
Goa Assembly Session To Consider Proposed Anti-Conversion Bill
Goa’s state assembly will meet for three days starting August 31.
The government plans to present a proposed law about religious conversions.
The bill would punish conversions carried out through force, pressure, deception, rewards or marriage.
Some people found guilty could face life in prison.
They could also receive a fine of at least Rs 50,000.
Victims could receive compensation of up to Rs 5 lakh.
Congress says the bill could increase communal tension.
An independent government-supporting MLA has also asked the chief minister to reconsider it.
The assembly will also consider questions submitted by lawmakers.
Goa’s three-day monsoon session will begin on August 31.
The Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2026, is expected to be tabled.
The bill proposes life imprisonment, fines of at least Rs 50,000 and compensation up to Rs 5 lakh.
It targets conversions allegedly involving force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraud or marriage.
Opposition figures warn the legislation could increase communal tension and disharmony in Goa.
- Who
- The Goa government, ruling and Opposition legislators, Congress, and Independent MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco are central to the issue.
- What
- The Goa Assembly will hold a three-day monsoon session and is expected to consider the proposed Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2026.
- Where
- The Goa Legislative Assembly, in Panaji, Goa.
- When
- The session is scheduled to begin on August 31 and last three days.
- Why
- The government says the bill would penalize religious conversions allegedly carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraudulent means or marriage; critics fear it could cause communal tension.
Supporters and Government Rationale
Critics and Opposition Concerns
Purpose of the bill
Supporters and Government Rationale
The government is proposing penalties for religious conversions allegedly conducted through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraudulent means or marriage.
Critics and Opposition Concerns
Congress alleges that the bill is intended to flare communal tension in Goa.
Impact on communal harmony
Supporters and Government Rationale
The bill is being advanced for consideration by the Assembly after approval by the BJP-led state cabinet.
Critics and Opposition Concerns
Independent MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, despite supporting the government, said the law could create communal disharmony and urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to reconsider tabling it.
Key facts
- Session length
- Three days
- Start date
- August 31
- Questions submitted
- 883
- Proposed maximum punishment
- Life imprisonment
- Minimum proposed fine
- Rs 50,000
- Proposed victim compensation
- Up to Rs 5 lakh
- Assembly strength
- Reduced from 40 to 38 after the deaths of two MLAs
Sources
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