First case registered against Christian missionaries under Rajasthan’s new anti-conversion law

The Rajasthan Police has registered the first case under the state’s newly introduced anti-conversion law against two Christian missionaries in Kota, accusing them of carrying out religious conversion by “charm” at a meeting. The three-day ‘Spiritual Satsang’ was held from 4 to 6 November at Beersheba Church, Kota.

The first information report was registered late on Thursday night, November 20, 2025, following complaints made by local office administrators of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal. The police issued a notice to two priests, Chandy Varghese of New Delhi and Arun John of Kota, alleging that they promoted conversions and baptized many people during the programme.

The two missionaries were arrested under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (act aimed at insulting religious sentiments) and Sections 3 and 5 of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Illegal Conversion of Religion Act, 2025. The FIR, registered at Borkheda police station, stated that the accused made offensive remarks about the Hindu society and described the Rajasthan government as the “kingdom of the devil”.

Police launched an investigation after seizing video and social media livestream clips showing speeches and activities during the event. Allegedly, some young people announced from the stage that they were baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, while others were urging them to embrace Christianity.

Police sources said in a statement on Friday, November 21, that social media images will be examined within the scope of the investigation and the statements of those who attended the event will be recorded, taking into account the sensitivity of the issue.

Pastor Arun John told Hindu He said police from Kota asked him and Pastor Varghese to respond to the notices within three days. “We have nothing to hide [about the programme]… Their videos are already public. “No illegal activities were carried out at the meeting,” he said.

The State Assembly passed the anti-conversion bill in its monsoon session on September 9 and the Ministry of Home Affairs notified the bill on October 29. The legislation has faced criticism for its harsh penalties, including life imprisonment, fines of up to ₹1 crore, and seizure and destruction of properties to effect conversion through fraud, luring or coercion.

It is particularly noteworthy that those who return to the “religion of their ancestors” are exempt from the law. Rajasthan has become the last state under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party to introduce legislation aimed at curbing allegations of forced conversion. Similar laws exist in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court issued notice to the State government on a petition filed by the Jaipur Catholic Welfare Association challenging the validity of the Act. In its petition, the association argued that the law was “constitutionally flawed” and contrary to the decisions of the Supreme Court. He also argued that the State legislature had exceeded its authority to enact laws.