Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Law Takes Effect: Key Provisions and Controversy
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Maharashtra has become the 12th Indian state to notify an anti-conversion law, with the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act taking effect after publication in the official gazette on July 30. The law criminalizes religious conversions through force, allurement, fraud, inducement, or marriage, making it a cognizable and non-bailable offense. This move has sparked widespread opposition from civil rights groups who see it as a violation of individual freedoms and a potential tool to harass interfaith couples.
Background
The Maharashtra legislature passed the Bill earlier this year, and it received the governor's assent on April 6. After presidential assent on July 17, the law was published in the state gazette on July 30, bringing it into effect. Maharashtra joins 11 other states that have similar anti-conversion laws.
Key facts
Maharashtra's anti-conversion law, the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, took effect after publication in the official gazette on July 30.
The law criminalizes religious conversions carried out through force, allurement, fraud, inducement, or marriage, making it a cognizable and non-bailable offense.
Unlawful religious conversion is punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years.
A person intending to convert must give 60 days' notice to the designated authority.
The burden of proof that the conversion was voluntary lies on the accused and anyone who assisted or aided the conversion.
The law includes provisions for interfaith marriages where conversion is alleged to have occurred through such means, especially if objections are raised by families.
The legislation was passed by both houses of the Maharashtra legislature earlier this year, with governor Jishnu Dev Varma giving assent on April 6.
President Droupadi Murmu approved the legislation on July 17, and it was published in the state's official gazette on July 30.
Maharashtra is the 12th Indian state to notify an anti-conversion law.
Civil rights groups have opposed the law as a violation of an individual's right to freedom and personal privacy, and see it as an attempt to curb interfaith marriages.
Prelims pointers
- Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act
- Cognizable and non-bailable offense
- 60 days' notice for conversion
- Burden of proof on accused
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Governor Jishnu Dev Varma
- 12th state to notify anti-conversion law
- Gazette publication on July 30
Mains angles
- Discuss the constitutional validity of anti-conversion laws in light of Article 25 (freedom of religion) and Article 21 (right to privacy).
- Critically examine the provisions of the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, especially the burden of proof and notice requirements, in the context of individual rights.
- Analyze the impact of anti-conversion laws on interfaith marriages and social harmony in India.