Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Law Comes into Force

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, also called the anti-conversion law, came into force on 30 July 2026 after publication in the official gazette. President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Bill on 31 July 2026, and the Bill had already been passed by both Houses of the Maharashtra state legislature in the budget session of March 2026.

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026

The law makes religious conversion through force, coercion, fraud, undue influence, allurement, misrepresentation, or deception related to marriage a punishable offence. It also requires a person intending to convert to another religion to inform the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance and to follow the prescribed procedure after conversion.

Penal Provisions and Complaint Mechanism

First-time offenders under the Act face imprisonment of up to seven years, and repeat offenders can face imprisonment of up to 10 years. The law permits parents, siblings, and other close relatives of the victim to file a complaint.

State Position and Constitutional Context

Maharashtra became the 13th state in India to enact an anti-conversion law, alongside states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Some provisions of the law, including prior declaration, third-party complaints, and reversal of the burden of proof, correspond to issues already before the Supreme Court as of 3 August 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, is the state law on religious conversion in Maharashtra.
• Article 25 of the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
• Anti-conversion laws in India are enacted by states under their legislative powers, and their constitutional validity has been examined in courts in several cases.
• District magistrates are district-level executive officers who often perform statutory functions under state laws.