Maharashtra’s newly enacted Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, commonly referred to as the state’s anti-conversion law, is already having an impact on religious gatherings, with churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region introducing additional safeguards for worshippers.&nbsp;The law received the President’s assent earlier this month and has now come into force following its official notification. It seeks to prevent religious conversions allegedly carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage, while prescribing a formal procedure for those who voluntarily wish to change their religion.&nbsp;One of the key provisions requires a person intending to convert to another religion to provide 60 days’ prior notice to the district magistrate. The legislation also lays down post-conversion procedures and provides for criminal penalties in cases where authorities establish prohibited means of conversion. Repeat offences can attract imprisonment of up to 10 years, while other violations can carry prison terms of up to seven years, depending on the offence.&nbsp;The legislation has triggered a wider debate over where the line should be drawn between preventing forced conversions and protecting an individual’s constitutional freedom to practise and profess a religion.&nbsp;The issue has become particularly visible in the Mumbai region. Several churches across the MMR have begun asking worshippers to sign self-declaration forms stating that they are attending prayer meetings voluntarily and without pressure. Church authorities say the forms are being maintained as a precaution against possible allegations of forced conversion and could be produced before police or government authorities if required.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-t-work-much-now-gadkari-sparks-retirement-speculation-amid-cabinet-reshuffle-buzz-1787656769584">‘Can’t work much now’: Nitin Gadkari sparks retirement speculation amid Cabinet reshuffle buzz</a>&nbsp;Church leaders say the move is also linked to concerns over alleged disruptions at places of worship.The Archdiocese of Bombay has expressed concern over the new legislation, arguing that legitimate religious activities such as prayer meetings and other church-related work could come under greater scrutiny. The Church has maintained that it opposes forced conversion but wants safeguards to ensure that lawful religious practice is not criminalised.&nbsp;The law has also already featured in police investigations in Pune. Police registered cases involving allegations of attempts to induce individuals to convert. In one case involving a UK-based Overseas Citizen of India cardholder, authorities alleged that religious speeches were delivered without the required permission.&nbsp;However, there has also been controversy over the initial implementation. Pune police were reported to have invoked the new legislation in cases before its official enforcement date, with senior officials subsequently acknowledging that the law had been applied prematurely. The episode has raised questions about procedural safeguards and the manner in which the new legislation will be enforced.&nbsp;For the Maharashtra government, the stated objective is to curb forced or fraudulent religious conversions. For critics and sections of the Christian and Muslim communities, the concern is that broad interpretation of the provisions could affect voluntary religious expression, interpersonal relationships and ordinary religious gatherings.&nbsp;With the law now operational, its implementation on the ground — particularly around prayer meetings, religious instruction, interfaith relationships and complaints of alleged inducement — is likely to remain under close scrutiny.

Maharashtra’s Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, has prompted churches in the Mumbai region to introduce safeguards for prayer meetings, while its provisions have sparked a wider debate over preventing forced conversions and protecting voluntary religious freedom.

Maharashtra’s newly enacted Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, commonly referred to as the state’s anti-conversion law, is already having an impact on religious gatherings, with churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region introducing additional safeguards for worshippers. The law received the President’s assent earlier this month and has now come into force following its official notification. It seeks to prevent religious conversions allegedly carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage, while prescribing a formal procedure for those who voluntarily wish to change their religion. One of the key provisions requires a person intending to convert to another religion to provide 60 days’ prior notice to the district magistrate. The legislation also lays down post-conversion procedures and provides for criminal penalties in cases where authorities establish prohibited means of conversion. Repeat offences can attract imprisonment of up to 10 years, while other violations can carry prison terms of up to seven years, depending on the offence. The legislation has triggered a wider debate over where the line should be drawn between preventing forced conversions and protecting an individual’s constitutional freedom to practise and profess a religion. The issue has become particularly visible in the Mumbai region. Several churches across the MMR have begun asking worshippers to sign self-declaration forms stating that they are attending prayer meetings voluntarily and without pressure. Church authorities say the forms are being maintained as a precaution against possible allegations of forced conversion and could be produced before police or government authorities if required. Also Read: ‘Can’t work much now’: Nitin Gadkari sparks retirement speculation amid Cabinet reshuffle buzz Church leaders say the move is also linked to concerns over alleged disruptions at places of worship. The Archdiocese of Bombay has expressed concern over the new legislation, arguing that legitimate religious activities such as prayer meetings and other church-related work could come under greater scrutiny. The Church has maintained that it opposes forced conversion but wants safeguards to ensure that lawful religious practice is not criminalised. The law has also already featured in police investigations in Pune. Police registered cases involving allegations of attempts to induce individuals to convert. In one case involving a UK-based Overseas Citizen of India cardholder, authorities alleged that religious speeches were delivered without the required permission. However, there has also been controversy over the initial implementation. Pune police were reported to have invoked the new legislation in cases before its official enforcement date, with senior officials subsequently acknowledging that the law had been applied prematurely. The episode has raised questions about procedural safeguards and the manner in which the new legislation will be enforced. For the Maharashtra government, the stated objective is to curb forced or fraudulent religious conversions. For critics and sections of the Christian and Muslim communities, the concern is that broad interpretation of the provisions could affect voluntary religious expression, interpersonal relationships and ordinary religious gatherings. With the law now operational, its implementation on the ground — particularly around prayer meetings, religious instruction, interfaith relationships and complaints of alleged inducement — is likely to remain under close scrutiny.

Maharashtra’s Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, has prompted churches in the Mumbai region to introduce safeguards for prayer meetings, while its provisions have sparked a wider debate over preventing forced conversions and protecting voluntary religious freedom.

Maharashtra anti-conversion law: New rules trigger debate over religious freedom and prayer meetings

A British church leader has been booked under India's anti-conversion law following allegations that he attempted to convert Hindus during religious activities. The case has sparked debate over religious freedom, missionary work and the enforcement of anti-conversion legislation. Authorities are investigating the allegations, while supporters and critics of the law continue to clash over its implications. The incident is likely to draw attention both in India and the United Kingdom as legal proceedings move forward.


British church leader booked under anti-conversion law in India

The legislative assembly of Maharashtra has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 on late Monday, tabled by the Mahayuti govt. The bill was supported by Sena (UBT); however, Congress, NCP (SP), Samajwadi Party and CPI (M) opposed it, demanding a joint select committee for review of suggestions/objections from the public. In the next development, the bill will be tabled in the Legislative Council on Tuesday.<h3>What does the bill say?</h3>According to provisions in the bill, those found guilty could face strict punishment, including imprisonment of up to seven years, along with financial penalties. Offences under the proposed law are likely to be treated as cognisable and non-bailable, giving law enforcement greater powers to act.&nbsp;A key aspect of the bill is its focus on marriages linked to conversion. If a conversion is found to be forced or unlawful, the marriage can be declared invalid. &nbsp;The government has indicated that the legislation is intended to address complaints of coercive religious conversions and protect individuals’ freedom of belief.&nbsp;However, the bill has not yet become law. It will need approval from the Legislative Council and the Governor’s assent before coming into force. The ruling alliance has maintained that the bill is about safeguarding religious freedom and ensuring transparency in conversion processes.&nbsp;<h3>Fadnavis calls anti-conversion bill 'fully constitutional'</h3>While introducing the bill in the house, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the bill is not against any religion, but to protect the freedom of religion for all. Outside the assembly, Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that freedom of religion must be ensured for all, but his party would oppose any conversion carried out through force, exploitation of vulnerability, or misleading inducements. "We support that bill fully," Uddhav said, TOI reported.&nbsp;Presenting the Bill in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the proposed law is intended to curb religious conversions carried out through coercion, inducement, fraud or deception, and asserted that it is fully constitutional. He added that similar laws are already in place in 12 states, including Odisha, Karnataka, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh, and said the Bill aims to bring clarity in cases of unlawful conversions. "Cases of inter-faith marriages often give rise to law and order situations; consequently, once such a situation emerges, effective action must be taken to address it. As things stand, the currently prevailing laws—whether it be the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita or various other statutes—lack explicit provisions specifically addressing this matter. Consequently, we rely on existing provisions within these laws; for instance, we frequently invoke the provisions related to fraud in such instances," the CM said. "If specific provisions are in place, such difficulties related to unlawful conversion or interfaith marriages do not arise. Therefore—to ensure clarity and prevent recurring issues witnessed recently, wherein groups from opposing sides confront one another and consequently trigger law and order disturbances—this Bill has been introduced. Fundamentally, as you are aware, Article 25 of the Constitution grants every individual the right to freedom of religion; our Constitution bestows upon us the right to choose and practice any religion we wish. This bill is in letter and spirit 100% in tune with the Constitution," he added.&nbsp;The motion to pass the bill was introduced by Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar and is expected to be taken up in the Legislative Council on Tuesday. Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav said his party supports the legislation. However, Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh criticised the Bill as unconstitutional, saying it infringes on the right to privacy and could push interfaith couples to extreme distress. SP MLA Rais Shaikh called it regressive, alleging it targets a particular community, while Congress MLA Amin Patel also termed it a violation of the Constitution.&nbsp;Other than opposition, civil society groups have also expressed concern, arguing that such laws could be misused and may interfere with personal choices, particularly in interfaith relationships.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1-american-6-ukrainians-arrested-in-india-for-plotting-terror-activities-1773727290301">1 American, 6 Ukrainians arrested in India for plotting terror activities</a>

Opposition parties, including Congress, NCP (SP), Samajwadi Party and CPI (M), opposed it, demanding a joint select committee for review of suggestions/objections from the public. In the next development, the bill will be tabled in the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

The legislative assembly of Maharashtra has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 on late Monday, tabled by the Mahayuti govt. The bill was supported by Sena (UBT); however, Congress, NCP (SP), Samajwadi Party and CPI (M) opposed it, demanding a joint select committee for review of suggestions/objections from the public. In the next development, the bill will be tabled in the Legislative Council on Tuesday. What does the bill say? According to provisions in the bill, those found guilty could face strict punishment, including imprisonment of up to seven years, along with financial penalties. Offences under the proposed law are likely to be treated as cognisable and non-bailable, giving law enforcement greater powers to act. A key aspect of the bill is its focus on marriages linked to conversion. If a conversion is found to be forced or unlawful, the marriage can be declared invalid. The government has indicated that the legislation is intended to address complaints of coercive religious conversions and protect individuals’ freedom of belief. However, the bill has not yet become law. It will need approval from the Legislative Council and the Governor’s assent before coming into force. The ruling alliance has maintained that the bill is about safeguarding religious freedom and ensuring transparency in conversion processes. Fadnavis calls anti-conversion bill 'fully constitutional' While introducing the bill in the house, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the bill is not against any religion, but to protect the freedom of religion for all. Outside the assembly, Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that freedom of religion must be ensured for all, but his party would oppose any conversion carried out through force, exploitation of vulnerability, or misleading inducements. "We support that bill fully," Uddhav said, TOI reported. Presenting the Bill in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the proposed law is intended to curb religious conversions carried out through coercion, inducement, fraud or deception, and asserted that it is fully constitutional. He added that similar laws are already in place in 12 states, including Odisha, Karnataka, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh, and said the Bill aims to bring clarity in cases of unlawful conversions. "Cases of inter-faith marriages often give rise to law and order situations; consequently, once such a situation emerges, effective action must be taken to address it. As things stand, the currently prevailing laws—whether it be the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita or various other statutes—lack explicit provisions specifically addressing this matter. Consequently, we rely on existing provisions within these laws; for instance, we frequently invoke the provisions related to fraud in such instances," the CM said. "If specific provisions are in place, such difficulties related to unlawful conversion or interfaith marriages do not arise. Therefore—to ensure clarity and prevent recurring issues witnessed recently, wherein groups from opposing sides confront one another and consequently trigger law and order disturbances—this Bill has been introduced. Fundamentally, as you are aware, Article 25 of the Constitution grants every individual the right to freedom of religion; our Constitution bestows upon us the right to choose and practice any religion we wish. This bill is in letter and spirit 100% in tune with the Constitution," he added. The motion to pass the bill was introduced by Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar and is expected to be taken up in the Legislative Council on Tuesday. Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav said his party supports the legislation. However, Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh criticised the Bill as unconstitutional, saying it infringes on the right to privacy and could push interfaith couples to extreme distress. SP MLA Rais Shaikh called it regressive, alleging it targets a particular community, while Congress MLA Amin Patel also termed it a violation of the Constitution. Other than opposition, civil society groups have also expressed concern, arguing that such laws could be misused and may interfere with personal choices, particularly in interfaith relationships. Also read: 1 American, 6 Ukrainians arrested in India for plotting terror activities

Opposition parties, including Congress, NCP (SP), Samajwadi Party and CPI (M), opposed it, demanding a joint select committee for review of suggestions/objections from the public. In the next development, the bill will be tabled in the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

Maharashtra assembly passes 'anti-conversion' bill amid political uproar, opposition calls it 'unconstitutional': What next?

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Maharashtra anti-conversion law: New rules trigger debate over religious freedom and prayer meetings

British church leader booked under anti-conversion law in India

Maharashtra assembly passes 'anti-conversion' bill amid political uproar