State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 11 Oct 2025

Rajasthan Notifies New Land Law

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan State Government has enacted the Rajasthan Land Revenue (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2025, to expand the powers of the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) in managing and regulating land in industrial areas.  

Key Provisions of the Act

• About: The Act, which received the Governor's assent on 3rd October 2025, amends the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act of 1956.  
  • It aims to streamline land administration, validate past transactions, and accelerate industrial development throughout the state. 
• Background: The Act addresses issues arising from the April 2023 ruling by the Supreme Court in the case of the state government versus Arafat Petrochemicals. 
  • The ruling stripped RIICO of its powers over the 37 industrial areas transferred before 1979, leaving industrial units in these zones uncertain about land management and development. 
  • In response to these challenges, the state revenue department introduced the bill in the state assembly during the 2025 Budget session. After addressing concerns raised by lawmakers, the bill was referred to a select committee and was cleared for enactment. 
• Increased Powers for RIICO: The Act grants RIICO full authority over land management, planning, development, conversion, and disposal within industrial zones. 
  • It recognises RIICO as the principal agency for industrial area development, providing legal backing to its actions, which it has been carrying out for decades. 
• Validation of Past Transactions: The Act validates all past land-related decisions made by RIICO, including Land transfers, sub-divisions, mergers of plots, changes in land use and Regularisation activities in industrial areas under RIICO’s control. 
  • Even actions involving procedural errors or a lack of formal approvals will now be considered valid under state law. 
  • The provision overrides contrary court judgments or technical defects, thereby resolving long-standing legal ambiguities. 
• Exemption: The Act explicitly excludes industrial land leases that were cancelled before September 18, 1979, from its provisions. 
• Relief for Industrial Sectors: The Act provides significant relief to industries, particularly in sectors such as IT, warehousing, and hotels. 
  • It aims to boost investor confidence by offering greater legal certainty and predictability in land management. 

Rajasthan Anti-Conversion Law Comes into Force

Why in News? 

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde has approved the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2025, which was passed by the state Assembly in September 2025. 

• The 2017 guidelines by the Rajasthan High Court stipulated that conversions could only occur for adults, with prior notification to the District Magistrate and a public declaration of intent.

Key Provisions of the Act 

• Advance Notification for Marriages: Priests or clerics must inform the district administration at least two months before officiating inter-religious marriages. 
  • Individuals must inform the District Magistrate at least three months in advance of their marriage. 
• Penalties for Violation:  
  • Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to penalties for forced conversions, including Imprisonment ranging from 7 to 14 years and fines starting from ₹5 lakh. 
  • Escalated Penalties for victims from protected groups (e.g., women, minors, SC/ST) include jail terms extending up to 20 years and fines rising to at least ₹10 lakh. 
  • For mass conversions, offenders could face life imprisonment and fines of at least ₹25 lakh. 
  • Repeat offenders could face life sentences and fines up to ₹50 lakh. 
• Court Provisions: The law stipulates that all offences will be cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by the sessions court. 
• Void Marriages for Conversion: Marriages intended solely for conversion will be declared void, and conversions before or after such marriages will be considered unlawful. 
• Exemptions: Individuals returning to their "ancestral religion" are exempted from the provisions of the law. 
• Similar Legislation in Other States: Rajasthan joins other states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, which have passed similar laws aimed at curbing forcible religious conversions.

Constitutional Provisions Related to Religious Belief  

• Article 25: Article 25 ensures the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.   
• Article 26: Article 26 grants every religious denomination the right to manage its religious affairs, subject to considerations of public order, morality, and health.  
• Articles 27-30: Safeguard the freedom to contribute financially to religious practices, manage religious affairs, and establish and administer educational institutions for religious purposes.