Karnataka Right to Freedom of Religion Bill

• The ‘Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill’ was recently passed by the state legislative council.

• Karnataka’s anti-conversion bill was passed by the legislative assembly in December 2021.

• The bill bans forced religious conversions by direct or indirect means.

• It gives specific procedures for undertaking a religious conversion.

• This bill gives penalty to anyone who forcibly convert minor, woman, SC/ST, or a person of unsound mind with 3 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs.50,000.

• Mass conversion (two or more people) could result in 3 to 10 years of imprisonment and Rs.1 lakh fine.