Maharashtra to implement Freedom of Religion Act on August 28

The Maharashtra government has issued an official notification to implement the ‘Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026’ across the state starting August 28. Following approval from the President and passage through both houses of the state legislature, Maharashtra becomes the 13th Indian state to establish a statutory framework to regulate religious conversions.

Under the new law, religious conversions achieved through force, fraud, allurement, or under the pretext of marriage are classified as cognizable and non-bailable offenses. Penalties include prison sentences ranging from 7 to 10 years and significant fines. The act defines ‘allurement’ broadly to include gifts, cash, employment, free education, promises of marriage, or claims of divine healing.

The legislation has faced opposition from the Samajwadi Party and the Congress party. Opponents argue that the law could disrupt communal harmony and interfere with the constitutional right of adults to change their religion voluntarily. Conversely, members of the ruling Mahayuti government and Shiv Sena spokespersons maintain that the law is necessary to protect citizens from being misled or coerced through religious deception.