Maharashtra’s government has introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 in the state assembly, proposing stringent legal action against religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage, signalling a major legislative move that could reshape the debate around faith, personal liberty and state regulation of religious change.The proposed legislation, tabled during the ongoing budget session of the assembly, seeks to criminalise what it describes as “unlawful conversion”, including conversions allegedly secured through force, deception, undue influence, misrepresentation or promises of material benefits. Violations could attract prison terms of up to seven years and financial penalties that may extend to several lakh rupees, while the offences would be treated as cognisable and non-bailable under the draft law.
Officials from the ruling coalition say the bill aims to create a clear legal framework to prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals through forced or fraudulent religious conversion. According to government representatives, the legislation is designed to reinforce the constitutional right to freedom of religion while ensuring that faith is not changed under pressure or deception.
Under the provisions outlined in the bill, any individual wishing to convert to another religion must give prior notice to a designated authority at least sixty days before the conversion ceremony takes place. Authorities would then publicly display the information about the intended conversion to invite objections from members of the public or concerned parties.
After the conversion ceremony, the individual and the person or organisation conducting the ceremony would be required to submit a formal declaration to the authorities within a specified period, typically within three weeks. Failure to comply with these procedural requirements could render the conversion legally invalid under the proposed law.
Another controversial provision shifts the burden of proof to the accused in cases involving allegations of unlawful conversion. Those accused of facilitating such conversions would be required to demonstrate that the change of faith occurred voluntarily and without coercion or inducement.
The bill also contains provisions relating to marriages associated with religious conversion. Conversions undertaken for the purpose of marriage through deception, pressure or inducement could be declared void, and relatives of the affected individual would have the right to file complaints with law-enforcement authorities. Legal action could then be initiated following an official inquiry by district officials and police investigators.
Supporters of the proposed law argue that it addresses long-standing concerns about exploitation and coercive practices in matters of faith. Leaders within the governing alliance maintain that the legislation responds to complaints from citizens and community organisations who have raised alarms about alleged attempts to convert individuals through emotional manipulation, promises of financial assistance or marriage arrangements.
State ministers have indicated that the framework of the bill draws on similar legislation enacted in several other states. Over the past decade, a number of state governments have passed laws aimed at curbing conversions by force, fraud or inducement, often referred to as “freedom of religion” statutes. These laws typically require prior notification to authorities and impose criminal penalties for violations.
The Maharashtra proposal is described by some officials as stricter than comparable legislation in other states, reflecting the government’s intention to create a comprehensive regulatory mechanism. Authorities involved in drafting the bill said the effort followed consultations with legal departments and a committee tasked with examining complaints related to alleged forced conversions.
Opposition leaders and civil-society organisations, however, have raised concerns about the potential implications of the legislation for personal freedom and minority rights. Critics argue that requiring prior notice for conversion could intrude into private decisions of faith and expose individuals to social pressure or harassment.
Religious organisations and advocacy groups have also questioned provisions that shift the burden of proof to the accused. They contend that such clauses could lead to misuse of the law by enabling unfounded complaints against individuals or institutions engaged in legitimate religious or charitable work.
Some church groups and minority organisations have urged the government to reconsider the draft or refer it to a legislative committee for wider consultation. Representatives from these groups have warned that ambiguous definitions of inducement could risk criminalising acts of social service such as offering education, medical aid or humanitarian assistance if they are interpreted as attempts to influence religious belief.
Legal scholars note that the debate around anti-conversion legislation in India has long been intertwined with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. Article 25 of the Constitution protects the freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion, while allowing the state to impose reasonable restrictions in the interests of public order, morality and health.
Courts have previously upheld the authority of governments to regulate conversions obtained through force or fraud, yet have also emphasised the importance of safeguarding individual autonomy in matters of belief.
Within Maharashtra’s political landscape, the bill is likely to generate a vigorous debate in the legislature and beyond. Opposition parties are expected to question the necessity of new criminal provisions, while the ruling coalition is likely to emphasise the need for legal safeguards against exploitation.