The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

A statement issued by Ministers I K Jadeja and Saurabh Patel, the government spokespersons, stated that the administration was of the view that without affecting freedom of religion as enshrined in the Constitution, it was necessary to stop all religious conversions through inducements or threats in larger national interest.

The statement added: “The Modi Government believes that the state has been specifically targeted by some foreign powers for religious conversions, as they convert the innocent and the poor using inducements and threats. Strong nationalistic political will is needed to counter such forces, but unfortunately the opposition Congress does not believe in preserving national identity. The Cabinet lauds the decision to bring in the original anti-conversion law of this Government, terming it in national and societal interest.”

Responding to the Governor’s decision to return the amendment Bill, the Government said that it was brought with the intention of preventing divisions within those religions which have their origin in the country. “The issues raised by the Governor would be studied exhaustively, and the Government would determine its next step in due time following constitutional guidance from experts,” the note stated.

The anti-conversion law was enacted in 2003 by the Modi Government immediately after it came to power, but it failed to implement it as proper rules and procedures were not stipulated.

“We were only waiting for some clarifications, of which the amendment Bill was a part. Now we will go ahead,” said a Home Department official.

Provisions of the law

• Bans conversion from one religion to another by force, allurement or fraudulent means

• Provides for punishment of up to 3 years, and a fine of up to Rs 50,000. In case the convert is a minor, a woman or a person belonging to SC/ST, the imprisonment is up to 4 years and the fine is of Rs 1 lakh

• Prior permission needed from the District Magistrate in a prescribed form for carrying out or even taking part in any religious conversion ceremony

• The convert too has to separately inform the District Magistrate. Failure to do so can attract both imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of Rs 1,000 or both

• Prior permission from DM/SDM needed for prosecution of offences under the Act

• Offence under the Act has to be investigated by an officer not below the rank of inspector