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Maharashtra churches adopt self-declarations ahead of new anti-conversion law
As the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, prepares to take full effect on August 28, Christian groups in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have begun implementing self-declaration forms for churchgoers. These forms require worshippers to state that they are attending services voluntarily and without outside influence or coercion.
Church leaders, including representatives from the Archdiocese of Bombay and the Maharashtra Christian Development Association, describe the measure as a precaution against false accusations of forced conversion. The new legislation criminalizes religious conversion achieved through fraud, inducement, or undue influence, with penalties including prison sentences of up to 10 years for repeat offenders.
In a related incident, Pune police reportedly filed a chargesheet against Pastor Pankaj Devnoor, a British Christian leader of Indian descent, under the new law before its official commencement date. Authorities later attempted to pursue the case under different legal provisions after realizing the error.
Local pastors have also reported increased tensions, noting approximately 11 attacks on churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over the last six months. Under the new legal framework, individuals intending to change their religion must notify the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance.
Entities
Anglican Episcopal Church International · Archdiocese of Bombay · Maharashtra · Maharashtra Christian Development Association · Pankaj Devnoor
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There have been 11 attacks on churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over the last six months. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Repeat offenses under the new law can carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison. www.christiantoday.co.in · persecution.org
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The law requires individuals intending to change faiths to inform the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, criminalizes religious conversion involving coercion, fraud, allurement, or undue influence. www.christiantoday.co.in · persecution.org · www.deccanchronicle.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Christian leaders introduced self-declaration forms to guard against allegations of forced conversion. www.christiantoday.co.in
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pune police filed a chargesheet against Pastor Pankaj Devnoor under the anti-conversion law before it was officially in effect. persecution.org