Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 Passed: CM Fadnavis Says Law Not Targeting Any Community

The Maharashtra Assembly on Monday passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 by voice vote, introducing stringent provisions to curb religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, inducement, or marriage.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the legislation is not directed against any specific religion or community, but is intended to prevent unlawful conversion practices while upholding constitutional freedoms.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The new law outlines strict punishments for individuals found guilty of illegal religious conversions, particularly those carried out under coercion or deception.

The bill also introduces procedural requirements, including prior notification and post-conversion reporting, aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing misuse.

CM Fadnavis Defends the Legislation

Addressing the Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the law is designed to stop conversions carried out through coercion, misrepresentation, or inducement.

He emphasized that the legislation does not infringe upon the right to freely practice religion as guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution.

“The right to religion does not include the right to convert another person through force or fraud,” Fadnavis said, citing Supreme Court interpretations.

He also pointed out that several Indian states — including Odisha, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, and Jharkhand — already have similar anti-conversion laws in place.

Earlier, Fadnavis highlighted concerns about cases where individuals, particularly women, were allegedly misled into relationships and marriages and later abandoned after conversion.

Complaint and Enforcement Mechanism

Under the new law, complaints can be filed not only by the affected individual but also by close family members. In certain circumstances, law enforcement agencies may initiate action independently.

The provision aims to ensure that victims who may be unable to approach authorities themselves are still protected.

Support from Shiv Sena (UBT)

Notably, the opposition party Shiv Sena (UBT) extended its support to the bill. MLA Bhaskar Jadhav stated that the legislation is intended to safeguard religious freedom while preventing unlawful conversions.

He stressed that the bill applies equally to all religions and dismissed claims that it targets any specific community.

Jadhav also cited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s conversion in 1956 as an example of a voluntary and informed decision, distinguishing it from coercive or fraudulent practices the law seeks to prevent.

Concerns Raised by Opposition Leaders

Despite some support, several opposition leaders raised concerns regarding the bill’s potential impact on constitutional rights and personal freedoms.

congress MLA Aslam Shaikh argued that certain provisions could infringe upon the right to privacy and individual liberty. Other leaders, including Samajwadi Party MLAs Abu Asim Azmi and Rais Shaikh, claimed that the law could violate Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution.

Some legislators also warned about the possibility of misuse and vigilantism, expressing concern that the law might lead to unnecessary harassment.

Debate Over Mandatory Notice Requirement

One of the most debated provisions is the requirement for individuals intending to convert to submit a 60-day prior notice to the district magistrate.

Critics argue that this requirement could be intrusive and discourage personal freedom. However, Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar defended the provision, stating that it is meant to ensure transparency and confirm that conversions are voluntary.

Additionally, individuals are required to inform authorities within 21 days after conversion. Failure to comply could result in the conversion being considered invalid.

Bhoyar explained that these measures are intended for administrative clarity and to prevent future disputes.

Focus on Protecting Vulnerable Groups

The government has emphasized that the law aims to protect vulnerable sections of society, including women, minors, and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, from exploitation through forced or deceptive conversions.

Authorities have assured that the implementation of the law will be carried out carefully to safeguard individual rights while preventing abuse.

Another provision states that a child born from a marriage involving an illegal conversion will be considered to follow the religion of the mother prior to conversion.

Political and Social Implications

The passage of the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 has sparked a broader political debate in Maharashtra. While the government maintains that the law strengthens legal protections and maintains public order, critics argue that it may impact civil liberties.

The bill’s approval reflects a growing trend across several Indian states to introduce legislation regulating religious conversions.

As Maharashtra moves forward with implementation, the effectiveness and impact of the law will likely remain a subject of legal scrutiny and public discussion.