Uttarakhand Government Approves the Dharma Swatantrata (Amendment) Bill 2025. The law includes provisions for strict punishment for illegal conversions, a ban on digital propaganda, and the protection of victims.
Uttarakhand Cabinet: The Uttarakhand government has approved the Dharma Swatantrata (Amendment) Bill 2025. Under this law, strict penalties for illegal conversions, restrictions on digital media, and provisions for the protection of victims have been included.
Cabinet Amends Anti-Conversion Law
The Pushkar Singh Dhami government of Uttarakhand has approved the Dharma Swatantrata (Amendment) Bill 2025 in a cabinet meeting. The purpose of this law is to prevent illegal conversions and protect the religious rights of citizens. The new law provides a detailed definition of inducement for conversion, which includes gifts, cash or material benefits, promises of employment, free education, promises of marriage, hurting religious beliefs, or glorifying another religion. All of these will fall under the category of crime, and strict punishment is provided for violations.
Control Over Digital and Social Media
Propaganda or incitement for conversion through social media, messaging apps, and other digital mediums is also considered a crime under this law. According to the law, a sentence of 3 to 10 years will be given for general violations, a sentence of 5 to 14 years is provided for cases involving sensitive categories, and in serious cases, there is a provision for a sentence of 20 years to life imprisonment and heavy fines. Control over digital media will help in preventing illegal conversions and provide a safe environment for citizens.
Strict Action on Marriage by Concealing Religion
The law also provides for strict action against those who marry by concealing their religion. If a person marries by concealing their religion and takes advantage of it, they will be punished. This will help prevent fraud and deception in society and ensure transparency in marriage matters. Under the law, it has been clarified that any kind of fraud or inducement falls under the category of crime.
Emphasis on the Rights and Protection of Victims
The new bill also includes provisions for the rights and protection of victims. This includes provisions for rehabilitation, medical facilities, travel expenses, and maintenance. This will ensure that victims of conversion are safe and protected and that they receive justice and assistance. The state government says that this step was necessary to ensure justice and security in society.
State Government Statement and Cabinet Meeting
While approving the bill, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government said that this law will protect the religious rights of citizens and prevent conversions caused by fraud, inducement, or pressure. A total of 26 proposals were presented in the cabinet meeting, in which the amendment to the anti-conversion law was the most important. A total of 16 important decisions were taken in the meeting, which also included this bill.
