Maharashtra Passes Freedom Of Religion Bill To Curb Forced Conversions. What It Means?

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 08:13 IST

For a general offence of illegal conversion, the punishment can be three to five years in jail and a fine between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh.

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 was passed by the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on the night of March 16, 2026. The law is aimed at prohibiting religious conversions carried out through fraud, coercion, inducement or marriage-related deception.

Speaking on the Bill, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the law is not directed against any particular religion and is meant only to prevent unlawful conversions.

He said the Bill does not restrict a person’s constitutional right to practice religion under Article 25 of the Constitution of India, but it does not include the right to convert others through coercion or deceit.

According to the government, the law applies equally to all religions and its objective is to ensure that conversions are voluntary and transparent. Complaints can be filed by the affected person or close relatives, and authorities or police may take action on suspected unlawful conversions.

The Bill states that illegal conversion includes conversions carried out through force, threat, fraud, cheating, allurement or inducement, and marriage done with the intention of converting someone. Voluntary conversions are allowed, but forced or deceptive conversions will be treated as criminal offences.

Up To 10 Years Jail

For a general offence of illegal conversion, the punishment can be three to five years in jail and a fine between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh. If the victim is a woman, minor or a person from SC/ST communities, the punishment can extend up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh.

Mass conversions involving multiple people can lead to up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.

The Bill also places the burden of proof on the accused, who will have to prove that the conversion was not forced or fraudulent.

Under the prior permission rule, anyone wishing to convert must inform the District Magistrate in advance. The religious priest or organisation conducting the conversion must also give a 30-day notice, and a declaration must be submitted again after the conversion.

The Bill also contains a marriage clause stating that a marriage done only to convert someone is invalid. If a conversion is carried out by hiding identity or intention, it will be punishable.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Backs

From the opposition, the Bill is backed by Shiv Sena (UBT), while Indian National Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) and Samajwadi Party opposed it.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray said, “I saw the bill that came forward regarding conversion. If someone uses threats to force conversion, action should be taken against them. We support the bill, but if someone threatens the CBI and ED, a law should be passed for that as well."

The Bill will now be tabled in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, likely on Tuesday.

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