CONVERTING FAITH TO A POINT OF LAW

The state’s anti-conversion bill surpasses all others in the stringency of its provisions

- By Rohit Parihar

IF HISTORY WERE TO PROCEED BACKWARDS, a lot of powerful Rajput ruling dynasties from Rajasthan's past would face the mortification of being dragged in front of modern courts. Interfaith weddings were the currency of their power.

But today, state by state, India seems to be converting to a different article of faith. And Rajasthan has not only become the latest to pass an anti-conversion bill, it has surpassed all others in the stringency of its provisions.

The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025, marks the state's third legislative venture of its ilk, its 2005 and 2008 editions having failed to get gubernatorial or presidential approval. Unlike those, however, this bill is stirring nationwide debate due to its near-criminalisation of interfaith marriages. A marriage where either spouse has converted will be void in the eyes of the state.

There's an exception, of course. For "ghar wapasi", largely understood to entail a "return" to Hinduism.