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Key Points

Maharashtra is set to introduce an anti-conversion law in the next legislative session. The move follows allegations of forced conversions at the Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission orphanage in Pune. Revenue Minister Bawankule emphasized the need to curb coercive conversions, especially in tribal areas. The government has also vowed to demolish unauthorized religious structures facilitating such activities.

Key Points: Maharashtra Plans Anti-Conversion Law After Pandita Ramabai Orphanage Case

  • Committee formed under DGP to study anti-conversion law
  • Case registered for alleged forced conversions at Pune orphanage
  • Illegal church constructions in Dhule-Nandurbar under scrutiny
  • Law aims to protect tribal communities from coercive conversions
2 min read

Maharashtra: Anti-conversion law to be introduced in next session, says Minister

Maharashtra govt to introduce anti-conversion law in next session following reports of forced conversions at Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission orphanage.

"A stringent anti-conversion law will be enacted to curb religious conversions through inducements or coercion - Chandrashekhar Bawankule"

Mumbai, July 14

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appointed a committee under the chairmanship of the Director General of Police to study the law against religious conversion in the state. After considering the suggestions in the report of this committee, the anti-conversion law will be presented in the next session, announced Minister of State for Home (Rural) Pankaj Bhoyar in the state council on Monday.

He was replying to a calling attention moved by BJP member Uma Khapre regarding the conversion of girls and women in the orphanage of Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission in Kedgaon, Daund taluka of Pune district. Minister Bhoyar said that a case was registered on December 8, 2023, on the complaint of conversion of girls in an orphanage in Kedgaon, beating of girls, making them clean public toilets, abusing them on the basis of caste, and misbehaving.

A woman police officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police has been appointed as the investigating officer regarding the irregularities and illegal activities going on in this institution. Further investigation is underway in this regard and the investigation report will be received in a month , and the concerned department will be informed accordingly to take appropriate action, he said.

Earlier, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on July 9 in the state assembly said the government plans to enact a stringent anti-conversion law to curb religious conversions -- particularly among tribal communities -- carried out through inducements or coercion.

He made the announcement in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, addressing concerns raised by MLAs about alleged forced conversions in the state.

The issue was raised by Shiv Sena member Anup Agrawal, who highlighted the proliferation of unauthorised church constructions in the Dhule and Nandurbar districts, where conversions are reportedly being facilitated through allurements.

BJP member Atul Bhatkhalkar asked when the state would introduce a stringent anti-conversion law similar to those enacted in other states. Bawankule clarified that unauthorised structures would be promptly razed and that discussions would be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to draft a robust anti-conversion law.

BJP member Sanjay Kute proposed forming a committee to investigate conversion practices and their impact on tribal entitlements across the state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I support laws against forced conversions, we must ensure this doesn't become a tool to harass interfaith couples or genuine religious choices. The implementation needs proper safeguards.
A
Aman W
The orphanage case is shocking! How can anyone mistreat children like this? The law should focus more on protecting vulnerable groups rather than just being anti-conversion. Children's safety first!
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Sarah B
As someone working with tribal communities, I've seen how vulnerable people are exploited. But the solution isn't just laws - we need better education and economic opportunities to prevent such situations.
V
Vikram M
Other states already have such laws. Maharashtra is late to the party but better late than never. Hope they make it strong enough to actually deter these activities.
N
Nisha Z
The timing seems political. We've had conversion issues for decades, why act only now? Also, will this law apply equally to all religions? That's what I want to know.
K
Karan T
Instead of just making laws, government should focus on why people convert - poverty, lack of opportunities, caste discrimination. Solve root causes and conversions will reduce automatically.

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