Maharashtra Assembly Passes Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 on 16 March 2026 to regulate religious conversions in the state.

Key Points for Exams

The bill aims to prevent unlawful religious conversions.

It targets conversions done through force, fraud, inducement, or marriage.

The bill will now be sent to the Legislative Council for approval.

Key Provisions

Punishment:

Imprisonment up to 7–10 years along with a fine.

Prior Notice:

Individuals must give a 60-day prior notice to authorities before conversion.

Post-Declaration:

Declaration must be submitted within 21 days after conversion.

Burden of Proof:

Lies on the accused person to prove that conversion was not illegal.

Nature of Offence:

Cognisable and non-bailable offence.

Marriage-related Conversion:

Conversion done for the purpose of marriage is also punishable.

Political Response

Supported by: Ruling alliance (Mahayuti) and some other parties.

Opposed by: Congress, NCP (SP), Samajwadi Party, CPI(M) — termed it unconstitutional and biased.

Additional Useful Facts

Similar anti-conversion laws exist in several Indian states such as:

Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh.

These laws are often debated in the context of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

Such laws have also faced judicial scrutiny in courts over concerns of misuse.