Maharashtra’s anti-conversion law takes effect

Maharashtra’s anti-conversion law, the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, took effect after publication in the official gazette on July 30, 2026.

The law criminalises religious conversions through force, allurement, fraud, inducement or marriage, making it a cognisable and non-bailable offence punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Controversial provisions include a mandatory 60-day notice before conversion and the burden of proof on the accused to show the conversion was voluntary.

Maharashtra is the 13th Indian state to notify such a law, following approval by President Droupadi Murmu on July 17, 2026.

Civil rights groups oppose the law, arguing it violates individual rights and could be misused to harass interfaith couples.