Panaji, 28 August: In her first statement after being appointed Convenor of the BJP Legal Cell, Goa Pradesh, Adv. Sulekha Shetye has welcomed and strongly supported the Goa Government’s decision to introduce the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2026 in the forthcoming session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

Shetye described the proposed legislation as an important step towards protecting freedom of conscience and individual dignity, particularly of vulnerable persons, against religious conversions allegedly carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, misrepresentation, fraud, allurement or other unlawful means.

“The proposed legislation is an important step towards protecting freedom of conscience and individual dignity, particularly of vulnerable persons, from religious conversion carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, misrepresentation, fraud, allurement or other unlawful means,” Shetye said.

She further stated that the proposed Bill provides for appropriate punishment as well as compensation for victims, which, according to her, would strengthen safeguards against unlawful and exploitative conversion practices.

Expressing the BJP Legal Cell’s support for the proposed legislation, Shetye said the Bill seeks to protect individual dignity, freedom of conscience and vulnerable sections of society.

“We support the proposed Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2026, as a measure to protect individual dignity, freedom of conscience and vulnerable persons, while preserving Goa’s cherished tradition of peace and communal harmony,” she said.

The statement assumes significance as it is Shetye’s first public statement after taking charge as Convenor of the BJP Legal Cell, Goa Pradesh.