The Maharashtra assembly on Monday night passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which has stringent provisions to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage, by voice vote.

As per the Bill, those involved in unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and shall also be liable for a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Violations in respect of a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman or a person belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday defended the state government's proposed Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, asserting that it is designed to curb fraudulent religious conversions.

Maharashtra Assembly passes the Freedom of Religion Bill, imposing strict penalties for unlawful conversions, ensuring protection for vulnerable individuals.

Maharashtra Assembly passes the Freedom of Religion Bill, imposing strict penalties for unlawful conversions, ensuring protection for vulnerable individuals.

Maharashtra CM defends a Bill against fraudulent conversions, citing women's exploitation while accusing the Opposition of politicizing the issue

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday clarified that the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, is not directed against any specific religion. ​ He emphasised that the Bill is being introduced solely to prevent religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, or allurement. ​ He explained the government’s stance in his address to the Legislative Assembly.​ 🇮🇳 Devendra Fadnavis Defends Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 Amidst Opposition Criticism, Says It Is Not Against Any Religion.