Maharashtra Assembly Enacts Strict Anti-Conversion Law
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Maharashtra passes Freedom of Religion Bill 2026; stringent anti-conversion law enacted
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News18•16-03-2026, 23:15
Maharashtra passes Freedom of Religion Bill 2026; stringent anti-conversion law enacted
•Maharashtra Assembly passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 by voice vote, prohibiting religious conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage.
•The Bill mandates 7 years imprisonment and a Rs 1 lakh fine for unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage; higher penalties for vulnerable groups and mass conversions.
•Minister Pankaj Bhoyar stated the law aims to prevent fraudulent conversions while safeguarding constitutional rights and ensuring voluntary, transparent conversions.
•Provisions include a 60-day prior notice to the District Magistrate for conversion and informing authorities within 21 days post-conversion for verification and record-keeping.
•The legislation is not aimed at any specific religion, applies equally to all, and protects women, SC/ST, and minors from forced conversions.
