The Maharashtra government has presented the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, aimed at controlling forced, fraudulent, or alluring religious conversions. The bill emphasizes safeguarding the right to religious freedom and prohibiting unlawful conversions. It mandates a 60-day prior notice to district authorities for individuals planning to convert. Moreover, converted individuals must officially register the change within 25 days for it to be legally recognized.
The proposed legislation allows blood relatives of the converted person to raise concerns if they suspect coercion or inducement in the conversion process. It includes provisions to penalize organizations aiding illegal conversions with fines and bans. Offenders could face up to 7 years of rigorous imprisonment and fines up to Rs 5 lakh as per the bill.
The bill enforces strict administrative procedures and penalties to ensure that conversions are based on personal choice rather than coercion. It prohibits conversions through allurement, misrepresentation, force, undue influence, or coercion. The law mandates a declaration of intent for conversion with prior notice to the Competent Authority and outlines penalties for violations, including investigation by a police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector.
The state cabinet approved the bill on March 5 following recommendations from a special committee led by the Director General of Police. Once passed by the state legislature, the bill will be forwarded to the President for final approval, becoming effective immediately upon presidential assent. The government asserts the necessity of the law to shield vulnerable individuals from predatory conversion practices.
Ministers, including Nitesh Rane, have advocated for laws against forced conversions, emphasizing that while the Constitution allows freedom of religion, it does not permit conversion through coercion or allurement. Several states have already enacted similar laws to prevent forceful and unlawful conversions.
