Goa Cabinet Clears Anti-Conversion Bill with Strict Penalties

Panaji, August 26, 2026: The Goa Cabinet has approved the introduction of the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2026, proposing stringent penalties for religious conversions allegedly carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraudulent means or marriage. The Bill is expected to be introduced during the three-day monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

The proposed legislation provides for imprisonment of up to the end of life, a minimum fine of Rs 50,000 and compensation of up to Rs 5 lakh to victims of unlawful conversion. It also proposes declaring a marriage void if it is found to have been solemnised solely to facilitate unlawful conversion.

Those involved in unlawful conversions, including religious figures such as priests, karmkandis, maulvis and mullas, could face imprisonment ranging from three to 10 years. If the person converted is a minor, woman, person with a disability or mental illness, or a member of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, the punishment would be more severe, with imprisonment ranging from five to 14 years and a minimum fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Chief Secretary V Candavelou said the legislation aims to protect vulnerable people from being converted through unlawful means. The Bill seeks to prohibit conversion from one religion to another through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or fraudulent means.

Under the proposed law, anyone intending to change their religion would have to submit a declaration to the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance, stating that the conversion is voluntary and without force, coercion, undue influence or allurement. The person conducting the conversion ceremony would also have to give the district magistrate one month’s advance notice.

The Bill allows anyone to provide information about an alleged violation and lodge an FIR. Courts may also order an accused to compensate the victim by up to Rs 5 lakh in addition to the prescribed fine.

Institutions or organisations violating the provisions could be denied government financial aid or grants. The Bill also makes an exception for re-conversion to a person’s immediate previous religion.

The Cabinet said the legislation seeks to protect the constitutional right to freedom of conscience and religion while preventing unlawful conversion.

Source: The Times of India