The Maharashtra government, part of the Mahayuti alliance, has given the green light to the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, in a recent Cabinet meeting. This bill is set to be presented in the ongoing Budget Session of the Maharashtra Legislature. Minister Nitesh Rane has confirmed the Cabinet’s decision to introduce this anti-conversion legislation.
Under the proposed law, any individual engaging in religious conversion through force, fraud, or inducement will face a non-bailable offense. Minister Rane highlighted that the law includes provisions for the arrest of offenders in such cases, with bail not easily granted. The technical specifics of the law will be disclosed soon.
The new legislation is anticipated to be more stringent and efficient compared to existing anti-conversion laws in states like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It aims to prevent fraudulent and coercive religious conversions while safeguarding individuals’ religious freedom. The bill aligns with laws in other states and includes measures for the punishment and cancellation of registration for those involved in illegal conversions.
