Goa has moved towards introducing a strict anti-conversion law after the state Cabinet approved the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religions Bill, 2026.
The Bill is expected to be introduced in the Goa Assembly during its three-day monsoon session beginning August 31. If passed by the Assembly and approved through the required process, it will become law.
The development comes as several BJP-ruled states have moved towards implementing or introducing Uniform Civil Code (UCC) laws. Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to implement a UCC, followed by moves in states including Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh.
Goa Anti-Conversion Bill Proposes Life Imprisonment
The proposed Goa anti-conversion law seeks to punish religious conversions allegedly carried out through force, coercion, fraud, undue influence, financial inducement or marriage.
According to the proposed Bill, a person found guilty of unlawful religious conversion could face imprisonment of up to life, along with a fine of at least Rs 50,000.
The Bill also proposes compensation of up to Rs 5 lakh for a person who is allegedly subjected to unlawful religious conversion.
Marriage Linked to Religious Conversion
The proposed legislation also includes provisions relating to marriages allegedly conducted for the purpose of religious conversion.
Under the Bill, if authorities establish that a marriage was entered into solely to facilitate an unlawful religious conversion, the marriage could be declared invalid.
The provision means that the proposed law would cover not only the methods allegedly used for religious conversion but also marriages that are claimed to have been arranged for that purpose.
However, these provisions are not yet law. The Bill will first have to be introduced and debated in the Goa Assembly before it can take effect.
Religious Leaders Could Face Punishment
The proposed Goa anti-conversion Bill also seeks to cover religious leaders accused of facilitating unlawful conversions.
Priests, clerics and other religious figures found guilty of involvement in unlawful conversion could face imprisonment ranging from three to 10 years, along with other penalties prescribed under the proposed legislation.
The Bill proposes stricter punishment when the alleged conversion involves minors, women, persons with mental or physical disabilities, or members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
In such cases, imprisonment could range from five to 14 years, with a minimum fine of Rs 1 lakh proposed.
Bill to Be Introduced in Goa Assembly
The Goa Cabinet’s approval does not mean that the anti-conversion Bill has become law. The government will introduce it in the Assembly during the monsoon session beginning August 31.
The Bill will then be debated by lawmakers and will require Assembly approval before moving through the remaining legislative process.
The Goa government has said the proposed legislation is aimed at preventing religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion, undue influence or financial inducement.
The move is likely to generate further debate over religious freedom, personal liberty and the regulation of religious conversion in the state.
