Goa Government’s Big Move: Anti-Conversion Bill Set to Reach Assembly

The Goa Cabinet has approved the introduction of the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2026, paving the way for the proposed legislation to be tabled in the Goa Legislative Assembly during its upcoming monsoon session.

The proposed law seeks to prohibit religious conversions carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, misrepresentation, fraudulent means or conversion through marriage. The Goa Government has said the legislation is aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals while safeguarding the constitutional right to freedom of conscience and religion.

Strict Punishment Proposed for Unlawful Conversions

The Bill proposes stringent penalties for those found involved in unlawful religious conversions.

Individuals involved in such conversions, including religious figures such as priests, karmkandis, maulvis or mullas, could face imprisonment ranging from three to 10 years.

The proposed punishment becomes more severe when the person converted is a minor, woman, person with disability or mental illness, or a member of the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community. In such cases, the Bill proposes rigorous imprisonment ranging from five to 14 years, along with a fine of at least Rs 1 lakh.

The legislation also provides for fines of at least Rs 50,000 and allows courts to direct offenders to pay compensation of up to Rs 5 lakh to victims.

Marriage Used for Conversion Could Be Declared Void

A key provision of the proposed legislation relates to marriage.

Under the Bill, a marriage could be declared void if it is found to have been solemnised solely for the purpose of unlawful religious conversion, or where conversion has been carried out through marriage.

The provision is aimed at addressing cases where the government believes marriage may be used as a means to facilitate unlawful religious conversion.

60-Day Declaration for Voluntary Conversion

The Bill also proposes a formal procedure for individuals who intend to change their religion.

A person seeking conversion would be required to submit a declaration at least 60 days in advance to the District Magistrate, or an authorised Additional District Magistrate. The declaration would state that the proposed conversion is voluntary and is not being undertaken through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement or fraudulent means.

The person conducting the conversion ceremony would also be required to provide the District Magistrate with one month’s advance notice of the ceremony.

Any Person Can Report a Violation

The proposed law would allow any person to provide information regarding an alleged violation and lodge an FIR.

The Bill states that information concerning a contravention can be provided in the manner prescribed under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Courts would also have the power to order compensation to victims, in addition to any fine imposed on the accused.

Institutions Could Lose Government Grants

The proposed legislation also covers institutions and organisations.

Any institution or organisation found violating the provisions of the Act could face the withdrawal or denial of government financial aid or grants.

At the same time, the Bill proposes an exception for re-conversion to a person’s immediate previous religion, stating that such re-conversion would not be treated as a conversion under the proposed law.

Government Says Constitutional Freedom Will Be Protected

According to the government, the Bill seeks to prevent conversion through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or fraudulent means while protecting the constitutional right of individuals to freedom of conscience and religion.

The Cabinet has maintained that while the Constitution provides individuals with the right to profess, practise and propagate their religion, the individual right should not be interpreted as a collective right to carry out unlawful proselytisation.

Bill Likely to Be Introduced During Monsoon Session

The Governor has summoned the three-day monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, and the state government is expected to introduce the proposed Bill during the session.

If introduced and subsequently passed by the Assembly and receives the required assent, the legislation would establish a statutory framework in Goa to deal with alleged unlawful religious conversions and prescribe penalties for violations.

The proposed Bill is now set to become a significant piece of legislation during the upcoming Assembly session, with the Goa Government positioning it as a measure intended to prevent coercive or fraudulent conversions while protecting freedom of religion.

The Independent Voice of Goa

The Independent Voice of Goa

The Independent Voice of Goa