Supreme Court Scrutinizes Rajasthan's Controversial Conversion Law

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Rajasthan government challenging the state's 2025 anti-conversion law. The petition by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India argues the law's unconstitutionality. The law enforces severe penalties for illegal conversions, especially targeting vulnerable groups like minors and women.

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Rajasthan government regarding a petition questioning the legitimacy of its 2025 law aimed at curbing illegal religious conversions. The Catholic Bishops Conference of India filed the petition, which has now been paired with other pending cases challenging the same law.

A panel of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih has already entertained separate petitions related to similar concerns, urging the state government to provide its stance. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court of other cases awaiting consideration by the top court on this issue.

The 2025 Act imposes a potential life sentence for mass religious conversions conducted through deceitful means. Instances involving minors, women, and marginalized communities face jail terms ranging from seven to 20 years, along with additional penalties. This highlights the nationwide legal scrutiny and challenges to similar laws enacted in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)