New Delhi, August 19: The Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress have expressed strong opposition to the implementation of the ‘Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026’ in the state. They emphasized that the existing law allows citizens the freedom to change their religion at will, and such legislation could lead to communal unrest.
Leaders from the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi government argued that this law is essential for protecting individuals who are misled and trapped under the guise of religion.
The Maharashtra government has officially notified that the ‘Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026’—commonly referred to as the anti-conversion law—will come into effect across the state on August 28.
Following executive approval, the state’s Home Department issued the official notification on August 17.
With this enactment, Maharashtra becomes the 13th state in India to establish a stringent law prohibiting forced or deceptive religious conversions.
SP leader ST Hasan stated that this law contradicts fundamental principles. He asserted that if an adult man or woman wishes to change their religion voluntarily, the law permits it. However, if someone converts under pressure or temptation, it is wrong, and such conversions can later be annulled. He stressed that everyone should have the freedom to change their religion, noting that individuals are transitioning between Hinduism and Islam, as well as Islam and Christianity. He expressed skepticism about the law’s effectiveness, suggesting it could disrupt communal harmony.
Congress leader Hussain Dalwai raised concerns, stating, “People can change their religion if they choose; Muslim girls also marry Hindu men.”
He added, “The Maharashtra government cannot bind the new generation in the name of religion.”
Congress leader Surendra Rajput called for extensive discussions on the matter before implementing the law.
However, Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC clarified that the law is not against any particular community or religion. She stated that individuals should not be misled or trapped in the name of religion, regardless of their community.
She further explained that the gazette for this law was issued due to numerous cases of potential conversions observed.
BJP MLA Ram Kadam remarked that any attempt to forcefully change someone’s religion or to do so through temptation is entirely wrong.
He stated, “Every individual has their own religion and takes pride in it. However, if someone exploits another’s poverty to gain temporary benefits and then changes their religion, how can that be justified? The name Maharashtra itself means ‘great,’ a land of saints, so no one has the right to forcefully change another’s religion for any reason.”
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