The Maharashtra government has moved forward with a controversial anti-conversion bill, making it mandatory for individuals to obtain permission before converting to another religion, the PTI reported.
The bill seeks to ensure that conversions are carried out lawfully, with safeguards against forced or fraudulent conversions.
On March 6, 2026, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a draft anti-conversion bill, which requires individuals to notify a competent authority at least 60 days before converting to a different religion. The proposed legislation stipulates that the conversion must also be registered with the relevant authority within 25 days, or it will be considered null and void, according to the PTI.
An official, who shared details of the bill, clarified that if a close relative of a person intending to convert files a complaint claiming the conversion is unlawful, the police will be required to register a First Information Report (FIR) and investigate the matter, as per the PTI.
The proposed bill stresses that the right to religious freedom does not extend to forced, fraudulent, or allurement-based conversions. Instead, it seeks to protect citizens from such unlawful practices, ensuring that conversions are carried out with genuine intent and without external pressure.
Bill is fulfilment of party`s promise: Rane
Nitesh Rane, Maharashtra`s minister and BJP leader, stated that the bill was a fulfilment of the party`s promise made during the Assembly elections. Rane proudly declared that the law, which has been termed the ‘Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam 2026’, would effectively combat forced conversions. He referred to it as a law against love jihad, a term used by some to describe allegations of coercive religious conversions through interfaith marriages, according to the PTI.
Rane expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde, and Sunetra Pawar for supporting the decision. He also acknowledged the support of activists and Hindutva organisations who have long campaigned for such legislation.
Introduction and future steps
The government will soon issue a Government Resolution (GR) regarding the bill. It is expected that the legislation will be introduced in the legislature in the coming days and passed accordingly.
(with PTI inputs)
