Protest at Shaheed Smarak Demands Repeal of the Law
Jaipur:
Civil society organizations on Monday held a mass rally and protest in Jaipur against the Unlawful Religious Conversion Prohibition Act, 2025, alleging that the law is unconstitutional, oppressive, and detrimental to civil liberties. The protest saw participation from hundreds of people representing over a dozen social, religious, human rights, and citizens’ organizations.
The agitation was organized under the banner of the Joint Social Platform, with large participation from across the state, including activists, intellectuals, youth, women, and representatives of various organizations. The rally began at Shaheed Smarak and passed through MI Road, GPO Circle, Jalupura, and Sansar Chandra Road, before returning to Shaheed Smarak.
Protesters carried placards and raised slogans such as “No restrictions on faith,” “We will not tolerate the killing of freedom,” “The Constitution guarantees the right to choose one’s religion,” “Repeal the black law,” and “Respect religious freedom.”
Hjj
A public meeting was held at Shaheed Smarak, where several prominent speakers addressed the gathering. They termed the Act as being against the basic structure of the Constitution and called for a united struggle to oppose it. Following the meeting, a memorandum addressed to the President was submitted through the Governor and the Chief Minister, demanding withdrawal of the law.
Speakers Say the Law Attacks Religious Freedom
Addressing the gathering, K.C. Ghumaria, State President of the Adivasi Vikas Parishad and Jan Morcha Rajasthan, said the Act is a direct attack on the religious freedom of tribal, marginalized, and vulnerable communities. He emphasized that the Constitution grants every citizen the freedom to choose their faith, which the law seeks to restrict.
Hafiz Manzoor Ali Khan, General Secretary of Jan Morcha Rajasthan, stated that the law would create an atmosphere of fear, mistrust, and suspicion in society.
M.D. Chaupdar, Chairman of the Rajasthan Madrasa Board, said defining religious conversion as a criminal offense goes against the fundamental spirit of the Constitution.
Ameen Kagzi, MLA from Kishanpole constituency, said the Bill amounts to unwarranted interference in the personal lives and individual choices of citizens.
Dr. Narendra Bauddh, President of the Youth Buddhist Society of India and Convener of the Religious Freedom and Constitution Protection Committee, said the law weakens constitutional values such as equality, liberty, and fraternity.
Balwant Singh, President of the Christian Maru Bhoomi Committee, said the Act promotes a mindset of viewing minority communities with suspicion.
Abdul Latif Arko, President of the Dalit Muslim Unity Forum, warned that the law could become a tool to intimidate Dalits, backward classes, and minorities.
Dr. Dashrath Kumar Hinoonia, State President of the Ambedkarite Party of India (Rajasthan) and Convener of the Religious Freedom and Constitution Protection Committee, said the Act is against the spirit of the Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.