Uttarakhand Tightens Anti-Conversion Law with Life Imprisonment Clause

The Uttarakhand State Assembly has introduced significant amendments to the anti-conversion law, making it even stricter with provisions that include life imprisonment and financial penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh for forced conversions.

The Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill-2025 seeks to deter conversions carried out through coercion, inducements, or fraudulent means. Notably, the bill broadens the definition of inducement to cover various benefits such as gifts, promises of employment, and even marriage, categorizing these as criminal acts.

The bill also targets modern mediums by making it illegal to promote or incite conversions through social media or online platforms. This is the second amendment to the law, first established in 2018, with the earlier update made in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)