Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has passed the 'Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026'

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has passed the 'Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026'

¨     Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has passed the 'Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026'.

¨    The Bill was approved by a voice vote. Its objective is to prevent forced religious conversions.

¨ Conversions carried out through fraud, inducement, or solely on the basis of marriage have also been prohibited.

¨    The Bill provides for a prison sentence of up to seven years for illegal conversions conducted under the guise of marriage. The offender will also be liable to pay a fine of ₹1 lakh.

¨ Stricter penalties have been prescribed for cases involving the conversion of minors, women, or persons with mental health issues.

¨  Members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have also been included under these provisions.

¨    In such cases, the penalty entails imprisonment for seven years and a fine of ₹5 lakh.

¨     Cases involving mass conversions may attract a prison sentence of up to seven years. Additionally, a fine of ₹5 lakh may be imposed.

¨    Repeat offenders can face imprisonment of up to ten years and are required to pay a fine of ₹5 lakh.

¨     Minister of State for Home Affairs, Pankaj Bhoyar, stated that this law serves to prevent forced religious conversions.

¨     He affirmed that it safeguards constitutional rights. The Bill ensures that religious conversions are undertaken solely on a voluntary basis.

¨    It also promotes transparency in the process of religious conversion.