The northern Indian state of Uttarakhand has strengthened its anti-conversion law, introducing penalties of up to life imprisonment for those accused of promoting religious conversions.

Rahul Singh, an Open Doors partner supporting persecuted Christians in India, told Premier: “There is no safe place for them; even places of worship and family gatherings are no longer safe.”

The Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2025 tightens restrictions on religious conversions, including those promoted through social media and online platforms. Penalties now range from three years to life imprisonment, with fines of up to 1 million rupees ($12,000) if foreign funding is involved.

India currently ranks 11th on the Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most persecution.

Anti-conversion laws are already in place in 12 Indian states and are claimed to prevent forced conversions.

Critics, however, argue these laws are used to target Christians and Muslims, with acts of kindness or prayer often wrongly branded as “inducement.”

Singh explained that the law’s strict surveillance leaves believers vulnerable and fearful: “Their right to freedom of religion is threatened, and the fear instilled makes them vulnerable, monitored everywhere.”

Despite the risks, many Christians remain committed to their faith, often worshiping in secret to avoid persecution.

Christian leaders and organizations have condemned the amendments as discriminatory and harmful to religious freedom.

The bill is expected to become law once it receives the governor’s approval.