What Is Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026? What Changes From August 28

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, will come into force on August 28 after the state government issued a notification in the Official Gazette. The law creates a statutory framework to regulate unlawful religious conversions and makes offences involving conversion through force, coercion, fraud, allurement, misrepresentation, threat, undue influence or fraudulent means cognisable and non-bailable.

The legislation applies across religions and also covers conversions linked to marriage. It lays down a prior-notice procedure for people who voluntarily wish to change their religion, while introducing penalties of up to seven years in prison for unlawful conversions. The law was passed by both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature before receiving presidential assent. Will Auto, Taxi Drivers Lose Licences for Not Speaking Marathi in Maharashtra? Minister Pratap Sarnaik Explains (Video).

Maharashtra’s Freedom of Religion Act To Take Effect on August 28

महाराष्ट्र धर्म की स्वतंत्रता अधिनियम 28 अगस्त 2026, यानी रक्षाबंधन से लागू होगा। इसके लिए राजपत्र अधिसूचना जारी कर दी गई है। pic.twitter.com/FCw7NMWFDe

— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) August 18, 2026

What Is The Maharashtra Freedom Of Religion Act 2026?

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, is intended to prohibit unlawful religious conversion while providing what the state government describes as protection for an individual's constitutional right to practise and profess religion.

Under the Act, a conversion is considered unlawful when it is carried out through allurement, coercion, deceit, force, misrepresentation, threat, undue influence or fraudulent means. The law also covers conversion through marriage or a promise of marriage when such prohibited means are involved. Maharashtra Govt Orders 60-Day Demolition of Unauthorised Dhabas and Structures Along National Highways; Here's Why.

The Act also defines "allurement" broadly to include gifts, material benefits, employment, free education, a promise to marry, better lifestyle or divine healing, among other circumstances.

What Changes From August 28?

Once the law comes into force on August 28, allegations of unlawful religious conversion in Maharashtra will be dealt with under a specific state statute.

Offences under the Act will be cognisable and non-bailable. Police can therefore take cognisance of such offences without requiring a court order to register a case, while bail will not be available as a matter of right.

The Act also allows the converted person, parents, siblings and other relatives connected by blood, marriage or adoption to lodge an FIR alleging unlawful conversion. The law further provides that police can take suo motu cognisance if they are satisfied that a conversion violates its provisions.

60-Day Notice For Voluntary Conversion

A person who intends to convert from one religion to another will have to give a notice 60 days before the proposed conversion to the competent authority.

The same 60-day notice requirement applies to a person or institution organising a conversion ceremony. The competent authority is defined under the Act as the District Magistrate or an officer authorised by the government.

After receiving the notice, the competent authority is required to publish it locally and invite objections for 30 days. If objections are received, or otherwise considered necessary, the authority may order a police inquiry into the intention, purpose or cause of the proposed conversion.

After the conversion, the converted person and the person or institution that organised the ceremony must submit a declaration within 21 days. Failure to submit the declaration makes the conversion null and void under the Act.

What Are The Punishments?

A person found guilty of unlawful conversion under the Act can face seven years' imprisonment and a fine of up to INR 1 lakh. Where the alleged unlawful conversion involves a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman, or a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, the punishment can extend to seven years in prison and a fine of up to INR 5 lakh.

Mass conversions also attract up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine of up to INR 5 lakh. For repeat offenders, the Act provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to INR 7 lakh.

What Does The Law Say About Marriage?

The Act specifically addresses conversions associated with marriage. A marriage solemnised with the sole purpose of unlawful conversion can be declared null and void by a court. The law also prohibits conversion through marriage or a relationship in the nature of marriage when it involves prohibited means such as force, fraud, coercion, allurement or undue influence.

The provision does not mean that every interfaith marriage is automatically unlawful. The restrictions concern marriages or relationships connected to a conversion carried out in violation of the Act.

What Happens To Children?

One of the Act's notable provisions concerns children born from a marriage or relationship in the nature of marriage caused by unlawful conversion. The law provides that such a child will be deemed to belong to the religion followed by the mother before the marriage or relationship.

The Act also provides that the child will retain succession rights in the property of both parents under the applicable succession laws. It further provides for maintenance and states that custody will remain with the mother unless a court decides otherwise.

What Is The Government's Stated Objective?

According to Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar, the legislation is aimed at preventing religious conversions carried out through fraud, coercion or inducement while protecting the constitutional rights of people.

The government has maintained that the law is intended to curb unlawful conversions without taking away the constitutional right of a person to practise and profess their religion.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the move a Raksha Bandhan gift for the state's women, saying the law would protect “Ladki Bahins” and daughters from exploitation.

The Act has faced opposition from several organisations and political parties, which have raised concerns about individual freedom and the potential impact of the legislation. When the Bill was passed, Congress, NCP and Samajwadi Party members opposed it, while Shiv Sena (UBT) objected to a provision placing the burden of proof on the accused.

Who Has The Burden Of Proof?

The Act places the burden of proving that a religious conversion was not unlawful on the person who caused the conversion and on anyone who assisted, aided or abetted it.

Investigations into offences under the Act must be conducted by a police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector. Cases under the law will be tried by a Court of Sessions.

Maharashtra Becomes 13th State With Anti-Conversion Law

With the Act coming into force, Maharashtra becomes the 13th Indian state to have an anti-conversion law, according to current reports.

The legislation places Maharashtra alongside other states that have introduced laws regulating religious conversion, although the specific provisions and procedures vary between states.

The Maharashtra law is likely to remain closely watched because of its 60-day prior-notice requirement, provisions concerning marriage and children, the burden-of-proof clause and the criminal penalties attached to unlawful conversion.

What Happens From August 28?

From August 28, the Act's provisions will formally apply across Maharashtra. People seeking to voluntarily change their religion will have to follow the statutory notice and declaration process, while allegations of unlawful conversion will be dealt with under the new criminal framework.

The implementation of the law will therefore depend not only on its criminal provisions but also on how competent authorities and police handle notices, objections, inquiries and complaints.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2026 05:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).