Maharashtra Assembly Passes Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 to Curb Forced Conversions

Maharashtra assembly last night passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 by voice vote. It has stringent provisions to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage.

As per the Bill, those involved in unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and shall also be liable for a fine of 1 lakh rupees.

Violations in respect of a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman or a person belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and a fine of 5 lakh rupees.

Mass conversions will have a jail term of seven years and a fine of 5 lakh rupees. Repeat offenders can get a jail sentence of 10 years and a fine of 5 lakh rupees, as per the Bill.

Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar said the proposed law aims to prevent conversions carried out through fraud, coercion or inducement while safeguarding Constitutional rights. Replying to the debate in the House, Mr Bhoyar said the bill seeks to ensure that religious conversions take place voluntarily and in a transparent manner.