The Maharashtra Cabinet on March 6, 2026 approved the Anti-Conversion Law Bill, making forced religious conversion a criminal offense punishable by arrest and imprisonment. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the bill at a cabinet meeting in Mumbai, calling it a necessary measure to protect citizens from coercive religious conversion practices.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Law includes several stringent provisions:
- Prohibition of Force and Fraud: Any conversion carried out through force, allurement, misrepresentation, or fraudulent means is now a criminal offense.
- Mandatory Prior Permission: Citizens wishing to convert must obtain prior permission from the District Collector at least 30 days in advance.
- Strict Penalties: Individuals found guilty of forced conversion face 3-5 years of imprisonment and fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
- Enhanced Protection for Vulnerable Groups: Higher penalties apply when conversions target women, minors, or individuals from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- Burden of Proof: The burden of proving that a conversion was voluntary falls on the person performing the conversion ceremony.
Political Reactions
The ruling Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar) welcomed the bill as a protection of Hindu interests. Opposition parties including Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Shiv Sena (UBT) sharply criticized the legislation, calling it unconstitutional and an attack on religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
The bill also drew criticism from Christian and Muslim communities, who fear it will be misused to target peaceful religious activities and genuine conversions.
Constitutional Questions
Legal experts note that the bill’s constitutional validity may be challenged in the Bombay High Court, as similar laws in other states have faced judicial scrutiny. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that the right to propagate religion is constitutionally protected, but coercion-based conversions are not.
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s Anti-Conversion Bill marks a significant legislative development that will likely have major political and legal implications. Whether it withstands judicial scrutiny will determine its long-term impact on religious freedom in India’s most populous state.