Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 16: Maharashtra is gearing up to become the 11th Indian state to enact a law against forced religious conversions, with support pouring in from across the political spectrum. The proposed legislation is being positioned as one of the strictest in the country, aimed at curbing conversions carried out through inducement, coercion, or deceit.

BJP national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain hailed the move, stating, “There must be a law against religious conversions. Maharashtra is bringing a stricter law than other states, and it should be implemented across the country. It is wrong to convert someone by offering greed or incentives.”

Echoing similar views, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Sanjay Nirupam said the issue of religious conversions has been a longstanding concern. “We live in a free India where the Constitution guarantees religious freedom. But forced or lured conversions are illegal. Maharashtra's initiative is timely, and we welcome it,” Nirupam said. He also referred to historical instances during Mughal and British rule, claiming the country then lacked the means to resist such conversions.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ government has formed a committee headed by the Director General of Police (DGP) to study similar laws in other states and draft a comprehensive report.

Minister of State for Home (Rural), Pankaj Bhoyar, informed the Legislative Council that a bill based on the committee’s recommendations will be tabled in the winter session.

Earlier, on July 9, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the law is especially intended to tackle conversion activities in tribal regions, where reports of inducements and coercion are more prevalent.

The law is expected to feature stricter provisions than existing models in other states. Once passed, Maharashtra will join the list of states that have already enacted anti-conversion laws, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand.

The upcoming bill reflects growing concerns over religious conversions and represents a significant legislative step in the state’s approach to religious regulation and tribal welfare.