Maharashtra govt. tables Bill to ban ‘unlawful conversions’

The Maharashtra government on Friday introduced the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 in the Assembly during the ongoing Budget Session. “The objective of the Bill is to protect the right to freedom of religion. It also aims to prohibit unlawful religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage,” Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar said while introducing the draft law.

It proposes stringent provisions, including imprisonment up to 10 years and fine up to ₹7 lakh, for forcible conversion.