The Uttarakhand government has approved tougher provisions in its anti-conversion law, introducing punishments of up to life imprisonment and heavy fines. The Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was cleared by the state cabinet on Wednesday in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, official sources said.
The bill expands the definition of “inducement” to include gifts, cash, goods, employment, free education, promises of marriage, hurting religious sentiments, or glorifying another religion — all of which will now be treated as criminal acts if linked to conversion. It also bans promoting or encouraging religious conversion through social media, messaging apps, or any online platform.
Under the proposed amendments, “illegal conversions” will carry prison terms ranging from three to 10 years for general offences, five to 14 years if they involve a “sensitive class,” and 20 years to life in serious cases. There are also provisions for strict punishment in cases of marriage through fake identity or concealing one’s religion.
The bill further includes measures to protect and support victims of “illegal conversions”, including rehabilitation, medical care, travel costs, and maintenance expenses. The state government says the law aims to safeguard citizens’ religious rights, prevent conversion by fraud, inducement, or pressure, and maintain social harmony.
