Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026

¨     Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, also known as the anti-conversion law, came into force on 30 July 2026 after its publication in the Official Gazette.

¨     President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Bill on 31 July 2026.

¨     The Bill was passed by both Houses of the Maharashtra State Legislature during the Budget Session of March 2026.

¨     The Act makes religious conversion through force, coercion, fraud, undue influence, allurement, misrepresentation, or deception related to marriage a punishable offence.

¨     A person intending to convert to another religion must inform the District Magistrate at least 60 days in advance and complete the prescribed post-conversion procedure.

¨     First-time offenders can face imprisonment of up to 7 years.

¨     Repeat offenders can face imprisonment of up to 10 years.

¨     The Act allows parents, siblings, and other close relatives of the alleged victim to file a complaint.

¨     Maharashtra has become the 13th state in India to enact an anti-conversion law, joining states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.

¨     Certain provisions of the Act, including the prior declaration requirement, third-party complaints, and reversal of the burden of proof, are linked to constitutional issues that are currently under consideration by the Supreme Court.