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Maharashtra Govt & Uddhav's Sena Back Bill Against Forced Conversions

The Maharashtra government has introduced the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, in the state assembly, aiming to curb unlawful religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, or inducement. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has extended his party's support to the bill, emphasizing opposition to forced conversions while upholding constitutional religious freedom. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the legislation does not prohibit voluntary conversion but seeks to prevent those achieved through deceit or coercion. The bill's introduction follows statements by ministers citing supportive speeches from opposition MLAs, indicating rare cross-party consensus on the issue.

Key Points: Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 Gets Cross-Party Support

  • Bill targets forced/fraudulent conversions
  • Uddhav Thackeray's party supports it
  • CM says it doesn't ban voluntary conversion
  • Provides for imprisonment & nullifies illegal conversions
2 min read

"We welcome": Maharashtra Minister cites speech of Shiv Sena UBT MLA on Freedom of Religion Bill

Maharashtra's anti-conversion bill gains support from Shiv Sena UBT and state ministers. Bill targets forced, fraudulent religious conversions.

"If someone uses threats to force conversion, action should be taken against them...We support the bill. - Uddhav Thackeray"

Mumbai, March 17

A day after the Maharashtra government introduced the draft of the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, in the Maharashtra assembly with a provision of imprisonment, Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai welcomed the Bill and cited the speech of Shiv Sena-UBT MLA Bhaskar Jadhav.

Desai told reporters, "Yesterday, Shiv Sena-UBT MLA Bhaskar Jadhav gave a speech in the assembly regarding this (Maharashtra Conversion Bill 2026) bill, and we support it. We welcome it... UBT has taken the initiative to support good work; we welcome this too."

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has extended his party's support to the recently passed bill in the Maharashtra legislative assembly - Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam 2026 or the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, which aims to curb unlawful religious conversions in the state.

Addressing reporters here on Monday, Thackeray emphasized that while freedom of religion is a constitutional right, his party stands firmly against the use of force, exploitation, or fraudulent luring to change a person's faith. "I saw the bill that came forward regarding conversion... If someone uses threats to force conversion, action should be taken against them...We support the bill."

While introducing the draft bill in the legislative assembly, Maharashtra Minister of State (MoS) for Home Pankaj Bhoyar said, "In recent years, there have been instances of forced religious conversions from one faith to another. These incidents disrupt public order and damage social harmony. I introduce Legislative Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2026, the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026."

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that this bill does not prohibit a person from converting, but prevents conversions done through force and fraud."

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 is not to stop someone from conversion, but it's to prevent people from conversion due to deceit, force, fraud, etc. Any conversion done through these means will be held null and void by the court on the basis of this law," he said in the Assembly.

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill aims to prevent religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion, allurement, or marriage and to stop religious conversions obtained by misrepresentation, undue influence, or inducement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! A much-needed law. We've heard too many stories of people being tricked or pressured into changing their faith. Protecting individuals from fraud and coercion is the government's duty. Hope it's implemented properly. 🙏
V
Vikram M
Interesting to see Uddhav Thackeray's party supporting this. Shows that some issues are beyond politics. The key is in the execution - the law must not be misused to harass inter-faith couples or genuine converts.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Maharashtra for years, I appreciate the intent. However, the wording "allurement" is vague. Could it stop charities from running schools or hospitals? The devil is in the details. We need clarity.
R
Rohit P
Good step by the Maharashtra government. Forced conversion is a serious issue that disturbs peace. Every religion should be respected, but changing faith should be a personal, informed decision, not one made under pressure. Jai Maharashtra!
K
Karthik V
While the goal is noble, I'm concerned about potential misuse. We've seen similar laws elsewhere used to target minorities. The government must ensure strict safeguards and transparency in its application. Freedom of religion is a fundamental right.

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