Maharashtra Cabinet Clears Anti-Conversion Bill: Marriages Through Force or Deceit to Be Declared Invalid

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, March 07, 2026

Mumbai: The government of Maharashtra has approved a draft anti-conversion bill that proposes strict legal measures against religious conversions carried out through force, deception, or inducement. According to government sources, the proposed law will also declare marriages invalid if they are found to have taken place through such methods of conversion.

The draft legislation, titled the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026, received approval from the state cabinet on Thursday and is expected to be introduced during the ongoing legislative session.

Under the provisions of the proposed law, if a marriage is suspected to have been conducted through coercion, fraud, or inducement to change religion, it could be declared null and void. In such cases, any blood relative of the alleged victim would have the right to file a complaint with the district magistrate.

Officials said that the district magistrate would conduct a preliminary inquiry into the matter. If evidence suggests that the conversion or marriage involved coercion or fraudulent practices, the case will be referred to the local police, who would then register a First Information Report (FIR) and initiate further legal action.

The proposed law is expected to include stringent penalties. Sources indicated that those found guilty of participating in forced or deceitful religious conversion could face imprisonment of up to seven years along with financial penalties. The provisions would apply not only to individuals directly involved in the conversion but also to anyone who assisted in carrying out the act.

While drafting the legislation, a government-appointed panel examined Article 25 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees freedom of religion. The panel also reviewed several judgments delivered by the Supreme Court of India concerning protection against conversions carried out through coercion, inducement, or fraudulent means.

Additionally, the panel studied similar anti-conversion laws implemented in other states before finalising the draft for Maharashtra.

The issue of interfaith marriages has been a politically sensitive topic in recent years. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party have frequently raised concerns about what they describe as “love jihad,” alleging that some marriages involve conversion through deceit. Critics, however, argue that adult individuals should retain the freedom to choose their partners and religion without interference.

Government sources clarified that the intention of the proposed legislation is to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions while safeguarding the constitutional right to freedom of religion.

The bill is expected to be debated in the state legislature in the coming days. If passed, it will become one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks in Maharashtra aimed at regulating religious conversions and protecting individuals from coercive practices.