Stricter regulations being implemented in Uttarakhand regarding religious liberties
In a recent development, the Uttarakhand cabinet has approved the second amendment to the "Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2025," tightening the law further with harsher penalties and broader definitions of forced conversions. This move has sparked concerns among Christian organizations and leaders in the state, who view it as a potential violation of religious freedom.
The amended law now includes legal guardians and heirs of the affected person under the expanded definition of "victim" of forced conversions. Victims are entitled to free legal aid, accommodation, maintenance, medical care, and confidentiality under a special government scheme. However, if the conversion is funded from abroad, imprisonment of up to 14 years and fines of up to 1 million Indian Rupees (approximately 10,000 Euros) are threatened.
Promoting or inciting conversion through social media, messaging apps, or other digital means is now punishable. The burden of proof now lies with the accused, and arrests can be made without a warrant, with bail granted only if the court is convinced of the accused's innocence or unlikely recidivism.
The definition of "fraudulent inducement" has been expanded to include gifts, material benefits, employment, invoking divine displeasure, and criticizing a religion while promoting another, even on social/digital media. Every prayer meeting is perceived as a 'conversion' event in Uttarakhand, and social work is seen by extremists as 'enticement' to religious conversion.
Prayers have been pouring in for the leaders and authorities in Uttarakhand, asking that the Spirit of God will guide them and open their eyes to the truth. Local partners of Open Doors, such as Rahul Singh and Priya Sharma, have reported over forty cases of persecution against Christians in Uttarakhand from January to July 2025. They have expressed concerns about the proposed legal changes, describing them as discriminatory and a violation of religious freedom.
Attacks on Christians, disruptions of worship services, church closures, and false accusations of forced conversion and discrimination have been reported in Uttarakhand. Christian organizations and leaders have called for the protection of Christians and churches from further attacks and misuse of the law in Uttarakhand.
Prayers are also being offered for spiritual leaders in Uttarakhand to be equipped by God for their ministry and to lead their congregations effectively. The hope is that Christians in Uttarakhand will not be intimidated by these laws but will boldly continue to follow Jesus and confess Him.
In the World Persecution Index 2025, India ranks 11th among the countries where Christians are most severely persecuted for their faith. Besides Uttarakhand, Indian states like Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh have anti-conversion laws, which were typically enacted by their respective state legislatures through state assembly bills aimed at regulating religious conversions and preventing forced or fraudulent conversions.
The photo provided is from Open Doors.
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