Maharashtra’s anti-conversion law takes effect

Maharashtra became 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 criminalises religious conversions through force, allurement, fraud, inducement or marriage, making it a cognisable and non-bailable offence punishable with up to seven years' imprisonment.

A person intending to convert must give 60 days' notice to the designated authority, and the burden of proof that conversion is voluntary lies on the accused.

The act was passed by the Maharashtra legislature, received governor Jishnu Dev Varma's assent on April 6, and presidential assent on July 17.

Civil rights groups oppose the law as a violation of freedom and privacy, and it is seen as targeting interfaith marriages.