President Droupadi Murmu Assents Maharashtra Freedom Of Religion Act, 2026; Anti-Conversion Law Awaits

President Droupadi Murmu has assented to the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, which targets unlawful religious conversions.

The Act will take effect once the Maharashtra government issues a notification specifying the enforcement date.

The law prohibits conversions through force, fraud, coercion, misrepresentation, allurement, or undue influence, including offers of money, gifts, employment, free education, marriage promises, or divine healing claims.

Offences are cognizable and non-bailable, with penalties up to 7 years imprisonment and Rs 1 lakh fine for first-time offenders, and up to 10 years and Rs 7 lakh for repeat offenders.

Blood relatives can file FIRs, and investigations will be conducted by officers of sub-inspector rank or above, with trials in sessions court; the burden of proof lies on the accused.