Bill to make anti-conversion law stringent tabled in House.

August 13, 2022

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur tabled the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2022 in the Vidhan Sabha to enhance punishment and add a specific mention of “mass conversion” to the existing law.
The law was enacted with a view to providing freedom of religion by prohibiting religious conversions by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, inducement or by any fraudulent means or marriage.
Himachal was among the first states in the country to enact the anti-conversion law during the government of Virbhadra Singh in 2006.
However, the BJP government repealed the Act and enacted the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 20l9 citing rise in cases of forced conversion in Rampur and Kinnaur areas.
There was no provision in the Act to curb mass conversions. Therefore, a provision to this effect is being made.
The jail for mass conversions shall be between five and 10 years and a fine of Rs 1.50 lakh.
The imprisonment for concealing religion at the time of marriage has been enhanced from three years to 10 years. Besides, the fine in such cases has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs one lakh.
In case of a repeat offence, the imprisonment shall be between seven and 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh.
Following the amendment, a police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector will investigate complaints of the offence.
A sessions court will try offences punishable under the Act.