17 March,2026 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis during the state Assembly Budget session, at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai on Monday. pic/PTI
The Legislative Assembly passed the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion (Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam), 2026 Bill on Monday. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told legislators the proposed law is not directed at any religion but is meant to curb forced or fraudulent conversions and maintain social harmony.
The Bill, introduced in the Assembly last week, proposes strict penalties, advance declaration rules and regulatory oversight for religious conversions, with the government arguing that the legislation is necessary to prevent conversions through force, fraud, inducement or marriage. However, the debate also exposed sharp divisions within the opposition alliance, with some legislators backing the law and others questioning its intent.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray during the Maharashtra Assembly Budget session. Pic/PTI
Support within opposition Bhaskar Jadhav of SS (UBT) said he supported the Bill but suggested clarifications.
"Not a single religion has been mentioned in the draft. I have read the Bill three to four times and found no reason to oppose it."
Opposition concerns - Leaders from Congress, Samajwadi Party, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) raised concerns about possible misuse and legal loopholes.
Aslam Shaikh warned that even consensual marriages could face complaints. "Even if two adults marry willingly, an FIR could still be registered if someone alleges conversion."
Rais Shaikh demanded the Bill be referred to a joint select committee. Meanwhile Jitendra Awhad questioned the motive behind the legislation.
"Please do not defeat the Constitution for political ideology and goals."
Brief disruption in the Assembly - Debate was briefly halted after remarks by Jitendra Awhad referencing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj triggered protests from ruling alliance MLAs.
