Church leaders and activists have criticized a state government’s decision to enact an anti-conversion law in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, calling it “politically motivated.” The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP)-run government in the state approved the draft for a tough new law to prevent so-called “forced religious conversions” in the state. The draft bill, containing stringent provisions, will be tabled for a vote at the upcoming session of the state assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel told media people on Nov. 30. The bill, which was approved in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bajanlal Sharma, proposes a jail term of up to 10 years for proven cases of forced conversion, according to media reports. The bill stipulates that individuals wishing to convert to another religion must apply to the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance. “The district magistrate will examine whether or not it is a forceful conversion,” Patel said. The minister said that special focus is being given to addressing the issue of conversions in tribal areas, where such activities are reportedly prevalent. If the bill is passed by the state legislature, Rajasthan will become the 12th state in India to promulgate an anti-conversion law. Currently, 11 Indian states, most of them ruled by the BJP, have the repressive law in place. “It is too early to comment on the subject as it is a sensitive issue,” Bishop Joseph Kallarackal of Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan told UCA News on Dec. 3. He said prelates in the state will have to discuss the bill with legal experts and leaders from the community. “We will examine in detail the likely impact of the proposed law,” Kallarackal added. Christian activist Minakshi Singh condemned the decision to enact the repressive law. “Under article 25 of the Indian constitution, people are free to profess, practice and propagate any religion of their choice,” she said.