Uttarakhand’s New Anti-Conversion Law Threatens Christians with Life Imprisonment for Digital Evangelism
By [Your Name], Christian Dispatch
In a significant escalation of religious conversion laws, the state of Uttarakhand, India, has passed the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing severe penalties for religious conversions deemed “forcible” or “induced.” The amended law, approved by the state cabinet on August 13, 2025, and expected to receive final assent shortly, raises the maximum punishment for such offenses to life imprisonment, alongside fines up to ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD). This development has raised concerns among religious minorities, particularly Christians, about the potential for misuse and the impact on religious freedoms.
Key Provisions of the Amendment
The amended law expands the definition of “allurement” to include acts of charity, employment, education, and even “glorifying one religion over another” or “speaking ill of one religion,” potentially criminalizing routine religious expressions and activities. Notably, the law criminalizes the promotion or incitement of conversion through digital platforms, including social media and messaging apps, rendering online evangelistic activities punishable offenses. The offense is classified as cognizable and non-bailable, allowing for arrests without a warrant and shifting the burden of proof onto the accused to demonstrate their innocence.
Impact on the Christian Community
The Christian community in Uttarakhand has expressed deep concern over the law’s implications. Reports indicate that pastors and believers are removing sermons and religious content from online platforms to avoid potential legal repercussions. One local lawyer noted that even simple acts of kindness could be perceived as inducements to convert, leading to severe penalties.
John Dayal, spokesperson for the All India Catholic Union, criticized the amendments, stating that “anti-conversion laws are weaponized through vague terminology, procedural abuses, and selective enforcement,” and that the provision outlawing “glorifying” one’s faith creates a legal paradox, effectively criminalizing the very act of sharing one’s testimony or beliefs.
Broader Concerns
Observers fear that the law is not designed to protect religious freedom but to systematically prosecute minority religious activities. The vague and expansive redefinition of terms like “inducement” and “propaganda” could lead to arbitrary enforcement, further marginalizing non-Hindu communities in the state.
As the law awaits final assent and is expected to become active shortly, the Christian community in Uttarakhand faces an uncertain future, with the fear of arbitrary arrests and life sentences looming over their religious practices.
For more information, you can watch the following video discussing the implications of the law:
Life in prison for conversions? Uttarakhand passes one of India’s harshest anti-conversion bills
