Maharashtra Passes Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 | 19 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra Legislature has passed the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, aimed at regulating religious conversions and preventing conversions through coercion, fraud, or inducement. 

Key Points: 

• Key Provisions of the Bill: Bans conversions made through force, fraud, allurement, coercion, or marriage-related deception. 
• Penalties: 
  • General offences: 3 to 5 years jail and fine up to ₹1 lakh. 
  • Vulnerable groups (Minors, Women, SC/ST): Up to 7 years jail and ₹5 lakh fine. 
  • Mass conversions: Up to 10 years jail and ₹5 lakh fine. 
• Procedural Mandates: Requires a 60-day prior notice to the District Magistrate and post-conversion reporting within 21 days. 
• Burden of Proof: Placed on the accused to prove the conversion was not forced or fraudulent. 
• Fundamental Rights: Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, including the right to propagate religion. 
  • However, the Supreme Court has upheld that forced or fraudulent conversions are not protected. 
• Judicial Position: In Rev. Stanislaus vs State of Madhya Pradesh (1977), the Supreme Court ruled: 
  • The right to “propagate” does not include the right to convert others by force or inducement. 
• Significance: Seeks to prevent exploitation and coercion in religious conversion.