Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 14: The Maharashtra Government on Friday introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 in the Legislative Assembly during the ongoing Budget Session, proposing stringent punishment for unlawful religious conversions.
Introducing the draft law, Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar said the Bill aims to protect the right to freedom of religion while prohibiting conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage.
The Bill proposes imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 7 lakh for forcible religious conversion. It was cleared by the state cabinet last week.
However, the proposed legislation has sparked controversy, with several civil society groups demanding wider public consultation, alleging that it could curtail the rights of women and minorities and encourage vigilante actions.
Similar anti-conversion laws enacted in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttarakhand have been challenged by civil rights groups in the Supreme Court of India.
Key provisions
The Bill defines “allurement or temptation” as offering gifts, money, employment, free education at institutions run by religious bodies, promise of marriage, improved lifestyle, divine healing or portraying one religion in a negative light compared to another.
“Coercion” is described as forcing individuals, families or groups to act against their will through physical force, psychological pressure, threats of bodily harm, social excommunication or warnings of divine displeasure.
Under the proposed law, police must register a complaint if a conversion occurs through unlawful means. Complaints can be filed by the converted person or by their parents, siblings or relatives related by blood, marriage or adoption.
Violation of the law can lead to imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. If the offence involves a minor, woman, person of unsound mind or members of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, the punishment could include seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
Mass conversions could attract similar punishment, while repeat offenders may face up to 10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
Action against institutions
The Bill also provides for cancellation of registration of organisations found guilty of facilitating unlawful conversions. Persons in charge of such institutions could face imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
The provisions apply to all legal entities, including educational institutions, religious bodies, social or charitable organisations, orphanages, old-age homes, hospitals, associations and non-governmental organisations.
It also states that any marriage conducted solely for the purpose of unlawful religious conversion would be declared null and void by a court upon a petition filed by either party.
Criticism
The proposed legislation has been criticised by lawyer Asim Sarode, who questioned the legality of the provision requiring individuals seeking religious conversion to give a 60-day prior notice.
Sarode argued that such a requirement could violate the religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution and infringe upon the privacy rights of individuals wishing to change their religion.
He said the law would allow the government to monitor citizens’ personal decisions regarding religious conversion, raising concerns about potential misuse.