Overview
- The Devendra Fadnavis government introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, in the Assembly on Friday for consideration in the ongoing Budget Session.
- The draft requires a 60‑day advance notice to the district magistrate, public display with a 30‑day objection window, and a post‑conversion declaration within 21 days.
- Offences are classified as cognisable and non‑bailable, police must register complaints, officers may proceed suo motu, and investigations are to be led by personnel not below sub‑inspector rank.
- Penalties include up to seven years’ imprisonment and fines, with higher fines for offences involving women, minors, persons of unsound mind or SC/ST, and up to 10 years for repeat offenders.
- The Bill shifts the burden of proof to alleged facilitators, broadens unlawful‑conversion definitions to include allurement and ‘brainwashing through education’, extends liability to those endorsing conversion documents, and permits sanctions on institutions including registration cancellation and loss of state funds.