📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ganesh Dhamodkar
Religion
Maharashtra’s Anti‑Conversion Law Comes Into Force Today
✍️ Moneycontrol.com
🗓 28 Aug 2026, 10:17 AM
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The Maharashtra government has enacted its new anti‑conversion legislation, which became effective today, outlining stricter procedures for religious conversions.
Maharashtra's newly passed anti-conversion legislation took effect today, marking the state's most comprehensive attempt to regulate religious conversions. The law, approved by the state assembly earlier this year, seeks to prevent conversions that are deemed forced or induced by inducement.
Under the act, any individual or organization facilitating a conversion must obtain prior permission from the district magistrate and provide a notice period before the ceremony. The legislation also prescribes penalties for those found guilty of orchestrating conversions without the required consent, aiming to deter coercive practices.
State officials have said the law will be enforced through regular monitoring and that cases will be examined by designated authorities. While supporters argue it safeguards vulnerable communities, civil‑rights groups have warned that the provisions could be misused, and legal challenges are expected to surface in the coming weeks.
Under the act, any individual or organization facilitating a conversion must obtain prior permission from the district magistrate and provide a notice period before the ceremony. The legislation also prescribes penalties for those found guilty of orchestrating conversions without the required consent, aiming to deter coercive practices.
State officials have said the law will be enforced through regular monitoring and that cases will be examined by designated authorities. While supporters argue it safeguards vulnerable communities, civil‑rights groups have warned that the provisions could be misused, and legal challenges are expected to surface in the coming weeks.