Maharashtra's Dharma Swatantra Bill: Govt Says it Curbs Forced Conversions, Opposition Warns of Misuse
Maharashtra's anti-conversion bill triggers assembly debate over misuse fears and religious freedom concerns.
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly witnessed a heated debate after the state government introduced the Maharashtra Dharma Swatantra Bill, 2026, a proposed law aimed at preventing forced religious conversions. The bill was presented by Pankaj Bhoyar, minister of state for rural development in the Government of Maharashtra. According to the government, the legislation seeks to curb unlawful conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion, or inducement.
Speaking to reporters after introducing the bill, Bhoyar said the proposed law includes several provisions that would allow authorities to take strict action against individuals or organisations involved in such activities. He explained that the legislation is designed to ensure that religious conversions occur only through free will and not through pressure or manipulation. Under the bill, anyone found promoting or assisting forced conversions could face legal consequences.
However, the introduction of the bill has drawn strong criticism from opposition leaders, who warned that such laws could potentially be misused. Opposition members argued that similar laws in other states have sometimes led to harassment or targeting of certain communities, and they called for careful scrutiny of the provisions before the bill is passed.
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Critics also expressed concern that vague definitions within the law might allow authorities to interpret certain social or religious activities as forced conversions. They stressed the importance of ensuring that the legislation does not infringe upon the constitutional right to freedom of religion, which allows individuals to practise and change their faith voluntarily.
The debate over the Maharashtra Dharma Swatantra Bill, 2026, highlights a wider national discussion about laws regulating religious conversion in Maharashtra and other parts of India. As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, it is expected to face further debate and examination before any final decision is taken on its passage.
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