Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis defended the Freedom of Religion Bill in the Assembly, saying it is not targeted at any religion but aims to curb forced and fraudulent religious conversions and maintain social harmony
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis addresses the media at Mantralaya on Monday. PIC/X
Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, stated that the proposed Freedom of Religion Bill is not against any particular religion but aims to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions and ensure social harmony.
The Maharashtra government on Friday introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill (Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam), 2026, aimed at strengthening provisions against forced or fraudulent religious conversions.
The Bill, tabled last week in the Assembly, was taken up for discussion on Monday.
“The Bill is not against any one particular religion. It applies to all. It is for protecting people from forceful conversion and not to prevent anyone from practising the religion of their choice, if it is done willingly,” Fadnavis added.
Appealing to members of the state legislature to approve the Bill aimed at strengthening law and order and prohibiting forceful conversions, the CM stated that Maharashtra is not the first state to bring such a law. He said around 13 states in India have introduced similar laws, of which 12 have already implemented them.
“Tamil Nadu had passed such a law earlier, but it was not implemented,” Fadnavis mentioned.
The CM, while describing the intention and content of the proposed Bill, maintained that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but that freedom does not include conversion through force, fraud, misrepresentation, or inducement.
“The Supreme Court has also recognised the power of states to regulate such conversions,” Fadnavis added.
What does the draft say
Illegal conversions through allurement, deception, pressure, or involving minors will be treated as offences under the proposed law. If a marriage is carried out for illegal conversion, the court can declare it null and void.
However, children born from such marriages will have the right to property and maintenance from their parents.
“For children born from such marriages will be given the religion of their mother,” Fadnavis added.
Who can file a complaint
The victim, their mother, father, brother, sister, or any blood relative can file a complaint in such cases. Even if no complaint is filed, the police can take suo motu action if they find that an illegal conversion has taken place.
Punishment
Under the proposed law, a person found guilty of illegal conversion can face up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. In cases involving Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, the punishment can be up to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. If the offence is committed by a group, the punishment can be up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
More punishment for a repeat offender
A repeat offender can face up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Action against organisations
If any organisation is found involved in illegal conversions, the government will have the authority to take action against that organisation.
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