Mumbai, August 18: The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has issued a notification to implement the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026. According to a notification from the Home Department released on August 17, this law will take effect on August 28, 2026. The state government has set this date under Section 1(2) of the Act.
The primary aim of this law is to prevent forced conversions through coercion, deception, inducement, or other illegal means.
Under the new provisions, any individual who uses force, deceit, or temptation to convert another person’s religion will face stringent legal action. Offenders could face up to seven years in prison, and such offenses will be categorized as non-bailable.
The law also stipulates that if an individual wishes to convert their religion voluntarily, they must submit an application to the designated authority at least 60 days in advance. The process will then proceed according to established regulations.
A particularly contentious aspect of the law addresses marriages conducted solely for the purpose of conversion. Special provisions have been included regarding the validity of such marriages and their legal implications.
Reports indicate that if a marriage is found to have been conducted solely for conversion, the religious identity of any children born from that marriage will be based on the mother’s original religion prior to marriage.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has expressed support for the law, emphasizing its goal of preventing conversions through coercion, pressure, and inducement. He noted that the law is set to take effect on Raksha Bandhan, highlighting its focus on women’s safety.
Nirupam alleged that in some cases, women are lured into conversion under the guise of marriage, only to be abandoned later. He stated that the law aims to protect women’s rights and the legal status of their original religion in such situations. The law includes provisions related to the religion of children born from these marriages, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Maharashtra’s daughters.
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