Maharashtra news: The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 in the state legislative assembly on Friday. The proposed legislation comes as a crackdown against religious conversions carried out through force, coercion, deception, inducement or marriage. Officials aware of the development said that the bill aims to curb organised or unlawful conversion activities, while ensuring the individuals’ right to practise their religion. 

Punishments for violation

Under the proposed law, the ones found guilty of facilitating or carrying out religious conversions illegally may face a seven-year-long jail sentence and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Specific provisions for conversions carried out under the pretext of marriage have also been outlined in the bill, as per which, the offenders will have to spend seven years in jail. 

Protection enhanced for vulnerable groups

The legislation has provided safeguards for vulnerable sections of the society, including minors, persons of unsound mind, and members of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Any violation involving individuals from the aforementioned groups would attract seven years of incarceration and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, as mentioned in the bill. 

Repeat offenders to face tougher action

The Bill further mentions that the persons responsible for mass conversions may face seven years of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 5 lakh, while repeat offenders could be sentenced up to 10 years of imprisonment. 

Conversions driven through marriage also covered

Another key provision of the legislation addresses conversions carried out by means of marriage or promises of marriage. Such conversions will be considered illegal if they involve inducement, coercion, fraudulent intent or misrepresentation. While India’s Constitution offers the right to freely choose and practice any religion, the Bill emphasises that this freedom cannot be misused through coercion or manipulation. 

Maharashtra government officials said that the proposed law has been introduced amid reports of forced and religious conversions in several parts of India, which often target socially or economically vulnerable communities.