The Maharashtra Assembly enacted the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 late on Monday, establishing strict regulations against religious conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage. The Bill, which passed via voice vote, stipulates a maximum imprisonment of seven years and a fine of ₹1 lakh for individuals engaging in unlawful conversions under the guise of marriage.

Additional penalties include seven years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5 lakh for violations involving minors, individuals with mental disabilities, women, or those belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Mass conversions will also incur the same penalties, while repeat offenders face a potential ten-year prison sentence and a ₹5 lakh fine.

Chief Minister’s Statement

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the assembly to clarify that the law is not aimed at any specific religious community but is designed to prevent forced or fraudulent conversions. He cited existing similar legislation in states such as Odisha, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, and Jharkhand as precedents for this Bill.

Emphasizing the importance of religious freedom as enshrined in Article 25 of the Constitution, Fadnavis distinguished between the right to practice religion and the right to convert others through coercion or misrepresentation.

Concerns and Opposition

Fadnavis later informed reporters that the Bill aims to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly women who have been involved in deceptive relationships, married, and subsequently abandoned. He criticized opposition parties for politicizing the matter, suggesting that their objections would diminish once they reviewed the Bill closely. Within the assembly discussions, he reiterated that anyone affected, along with their close relatives, could lodge complaints, and police investigations could also be initiated in specific instances.

Support from Opposition

Interestingly, the Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed support for the Bill, with MLA Bhaskar Jadhav asserting that it aims to protect religious freedoms and curtail illegal conversions without targeting any religion. He argued that the Bill is comprehensive and clarifies that all religions are treated equally under its provisions. Jadhav referenced the historical context of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s conversion in 1956, emphasizing that it was voluntary and not coerced, which aligns with the Bill’s objectives of addressing unethical practices in religion.

Provisions of the Bill

Some assembly members proposed that the Bill should be referred to a joint select committee for further examination. Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar assured that the legislation is focused on safeguarding constitutional rights while preventing unethical conversions.

He addressed concerns about a required 60-day notice to the district magistrate for anyone planning to convert their religion, explaining that it is intended to ensure voluntary and transparent conversions free from external pressure. Among other provisions, failures to report a conversion within 21 days could render the conversion invalid, a measure aimed at avoiding future legal disputes.

Reactions and Future Implications

Opposition members raised alarms over potential vigilantism, while Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh argued that the law impacts the Constitution and individual privacy rights. He remarked that Maharashtra has historically been a progressive state and that the Bill could infringe upon freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Several Samajwadi Party MLAs echoed similar sentiments, underscoring potential violations of constitutional articles pertaining to equality, privacy, and personal liberty.

Final Votes and Passage

Despite the debates, the presiding officer Sanjay Kelkar confirmed the Bill’s passage. There were concerns voiced regarding the implications of demographic changes due to the Bill, indicating wider discussions that will inevitably follow its enactment. As the legislative landscape adjusts to this significant measure, the repercussions on society and governance will call for careful monitoring and assessment moving forward.

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