Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Uttarakhand to Toughen Anti-Conversion Law, Proposes Life Imprisonment
The government in Uttarakhand wants to make its law against forced religious conversions tougher.
They want to punish people who force others to change religions with life in prison and a big fine.
Right now, the punishment is less severe.
The new law will also include things like gifts or promises as ways to get someone to convert, which is now illegal.
The leaders are planning to discuss this new law soon.
Uttarakhand government plans to amend the Freedom of Religion Act, making it more stringent.
The amendment proposes life imprisonment and a ₹10 lakh fine for forced conversions.
The current maximum prison term is 10 years with a ₹50,000 fine.
The legislation is set to be introduced during the monsoon session starting August 19.
The definition of 'inducement' is expanded to include various forms of benefits.
- Who
- The Uttarakhand government, led by Pushkar Singh Dhami
- What
- Uttarakhand is amending the Freedom of Religion Act to increase penalties for forced conversions.
- When
- The legislation is expected to be introduced during the monsoon session starting August 19.
- Where
- Uttarakhand, India
- Why
- To prevent religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or undue influence.
Critics
Supporters
Fairness and Religious Freedom
Critics
Concerns about the fairness and potential misuse of the law.
Supporters
Supporters believe the amendment will deter forced conversions and protect religious identity.
- Proposed Amendment
- Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act
- Maximum Penalty
- Life Imprisonment and ₹10 lakh fine
- Current Maximum Penalty
- 10 years imprisonment and ₹50,000 fine
- Offence Type
- Cognizable and Non-bailable
- Legislative Body
- Uttarakhand State Assembly
Sources
Dhami govt offers sops to Agniveers, toughens anti-conversion law
Uttarakhand Reserves 10% Jobs For Agniveers, Toughens Anti-Coversion Laws
Post-Operation Sindoor performance, talks on in Armed Forces to up retention of Agniveers
Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Amendments To Anti-Conversion Law
Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves 10% Reservation For Former Agniveers In Govt Jobs
