The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, approved on September 9, has not yet received gubernatorial assent, but civil society organizations have already documented at least nine incidents of harassment and assault this month. The pattern, they say, shows how vigilante groups have been emboldened to target Christians under the pretext of preventing forced conversions.
On September 23, about 50 members of the Hindu nationalist Bajrang Dal surrounded the Hindustan Bible Institute (HBI) in Jaipur’s Pratap Nagar area. Police detained two visiting staff members, who seized their phones, laptops, and institute property despite the Bible college’s long-standing legal registration. Days earlier, Pastor Daniel was assaulted while leading worship in a private home nearby. In both cases, police action against the perpetrators was minimal, fueling accusations of bias.
A coalition of 12 civil society organizations — including the People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Jaipur Christian Fellowship, and several interfaith groups — condemned the violence and met with senior police officials to demand arrests of Bajrang Dal members. “Such communal incidents and attacks on minorities need to stop now,” the coalition declared.
Christian leaders warn that the new law has already chilled worship and ministry across Rajasthan.
The Rev. Rajnish Jacob of the Assemblies of God said over 40 of their churches have closed, with pastors facing police pursuit even before the law officially takes effect. Critics argue the bill criminalizes religious freedom, imposes severe prison terms of up to life imprisonment, and exempts reconversion to Hinduism, creating a two-tiered system that violates India’s constitutional guarantee of equality.
Civil rights advocates note that Rajasthan now joins 11 other Indian states with similar laws. They fear a nationwide pattern is emerging under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, which promotes Hindu nationalism. With Christians making up just 0.14 percent of Rajasthan’s 68 million people, community members say they feel increasingly exposed and defenseless.
“Even Christian charity is being viewed as a conversion attempt,” said A.C. Michael of the United Christian Forum. “This bill represents a shift from protecting religious freedom to criminalizing it.”
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