Goa Assembly proposes life imprisonment for forced religious conversions

The Goa Legislative Assembly has introduced a bill that would impose a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on anyone found guilty of forcing another person to change their religion. The proposal aims to strengthen legal safeguards against coercive conversions and is being debated by state legislators. Under the draft, forced conversion would be treated as a serious criminal offence, with the possibility of non‑bailable status for the accused. Lawmakers say the measure is intended to protect vulnerable communities while upholding constitutional freedom of religion. The bill is expected to be voted on in the upcoming assembly session.