# Maharashtra anti-conversion law implementation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maharashtra-anti-conversion-law-implementation
> Updated: 2026-09-11T17:21:57.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, has introduced new legal frameworks regarding religious conversion in India. Ahead of the law taking full effect on August 28, Christian groups in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region began using self-declaration forms to ensure worshippers state they are attending services voluntarily, aiming to prevent accusations of forced conversion.

The legislation criminalizes conversions achieved through fraud, inducement, or undue influence, with repeat offenders facing up to 10 years in prison. Under these rules, individuals intending to change their religion must notify a district magistrate at least 60 days in advance. Tensions have risen in the region, with reports of approximately 11 attacks on churches over a six-month period.

Political reaction to the law has included criticism from NCP (SP) leader Majid Memon, who argued that the new legislation is unnecessary because forced conversion is already a crime under existing laws. Memon emphasized that the Constitution guarantees religious freedom to adults and questioned the necessity of laws centered on concepts such as ‘love jihad’.

On September 11, 2026, Islamic scholar Maulana Halimullah Farooque Ahmed Khan filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Act. The petition argues the law violates fundamental rights to equality, free speech, privacy, dignity, and religious freedom. 

Specific scrutiny is directed at Section 2(a), which defines ‘allurement’ through broad terms like ‘better lifestyle’ and ‘divine healing’, potentially criminalizing charitable work or religious teaching. The petitioner also challenged the 60-day notice requirement, Section 9(2) regarding gender discrimination in penalties, and Section 13, which shifts the burden of proof onto those conducting or aiding conversions.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Maharashtra anti-conversion law challenged in Bombay High Court

A petition filed in the Bombay High Court challenges the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026, alleging it violates fundamental rights to privacy, religious freedom, and personal autonomy.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-anti-conversion-law-challenged-in-bombay-high-court

### 2026-08-28: Majid Memon criticizes Maharashtra anti-conversion law

NCP (SP) leader Majid Memon argues that Maharashtra's new anti-conversion law is unnecessary, as forced conversion is already illegal and adults possess constitutional rights to religious freedom.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/majid-memon-criticizes-maharashtra-anti-conversion-law

### 2026-08-24: Maharashtra churches adopt self-declarations ahead of new anti-conversion law

Churches in Maharashtra are asking worshippers to sign self-declaration forms to prove voluntary attendance ahead of the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, taking effect on August 28.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-churches-adopt-self-declarations-ahead-of-new-anti-conversion-law

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Cite as: Maharashtra anti-conversion law implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maharashtra-anti-conversion-law-implementation