Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Dehradun, Aug 20: In a session marked by repeated adjournments and heightened tensions, the Uttarakhand Assembly on Wednesday passed eight Bills, including the controversial anti-conversion Bill and the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025, alongside a vote-on-account worth Rs 5,315 crore. The legislative moves have triggered sharp criticism, particularly from Muslim religious leaders, who allege that the laws are politically motivated and risk deepening communal divisions.

The Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill-2025, recently approved by the state cabinet, introduces harsher penalties, including life imprisonment and heavy fines for cases of forced or deceitful religious conversion. The Bill also expands its scope by banning digital propaganda related to conversion and includes measures to protect victims.

While the ruling government has touted the legislation as necessary to curb coercive conversions, critics argue that the Bill infringes upon individual freedom of religion and disproportionately targets minority communities.

Mufti Maulana Danish Qadri, questioned the intent behind the law. “If someone willingly chooses a religion—whether it’s Islam or Hinduism—it should be their right. Forced conversion is indeed wrong, but punishment should be equal across all communities. This feels more like politics than principle.”

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi echoed similar concerns, stating that the Dhami-led government is pushing a string of ideologically driven laws, including the Uniform Civil Code, the scrapping of the Madrasa Board, and now, the anti-conversion and minority education Bills. “Such legislation won’t solve deeper societal issues. Real justice will come only when all religions are treated equally,” he said.

The Congress party, meanwhile, raised objections in the Assembly over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, further adding to the day’s discord.

Religious leaders have warned that repeatedly targeting minority groups could lead to long-term societal damage. “People don’t forget division and hate. What’s needed is unity, not laws that alienate,” Razvi added.

As Uttarakhand becomes the latest state to toughen its stance on religious conversion, the debate around freedom of belief, political intent, and community rights continues to intensify.