Maharashtra Assembly Approves Freedom of Religion Bill 2026
In a late-night session on Monday, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introduced by the Mahayuti government. The bill, designed to regulate religious conversions, is set to be presented in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the state's legislative agenda.
Political Reactions and Support
The bill received backing from Sena (UBT), with its chief Uddhav Thackeray emphasizing that freedom of religion should be universal but opposed to conversions achieved through force or exploitation. Bhaskar Jadhav, a Sena (UBT) MLA, confirmed his party's full support for the legislation.
However, opposition parties including Congress, NCP (SP), Samajwadi Party, and CPI (M) voiced strong objections. They demanded that the bill be referred to a joint select committee for public review, citing concerns over its constitutionality and potential infringement on personal freedoms.
Chief Minister's Justification
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who introduced the bill, asserted that it is not targeted at any specific religion but aims to safeguard religious freedom for all citizens. He explained that the legislation seeks to prevent conversions carried out via coercion, inducement, fraud, or deception, aligning it with constitutional principles under Article 25.
"This bill is 100% constitutional and intended to bring clarity in cases of unlawful conversion," Fadnavis stated. He noted that similar laws are already in effect in 12 other states, such as Odisha, Karnataka, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting a broader national trend.
Opposition Concerns and Criticisms
Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh condemned the bill as unconstitutional, warning that it could infringe on privacy rights and potentially lead to tragic outcomes for interfaith couples. "This bill will be an injustice on lovers of different faiths who are adults. They will be punished for falling in love," he argued, questioning the lack of protective measures for individuals who declare conversions.
SP MLA Rais Shaikh labeled the bill as regressive and one-sided, suggesting it unfairly targets a particular community. Congress MLA Amin Patel echoed these sentiments, calling it a violation of the Constitution.
Legal and Social Implications
The bill mandates a 60-day notice period before conversion, a provision criticized by opponents for potentially endangering individuals' safety. Fadnavis defended this by pointing to law and order issues arising from interfaith marriages, stating that existing laws lack specific provisions to address such conflicts effectively.
"If specific provisions are in place, such difficulties related to unlawful conversion or interfaith marriages do not arise," he explained, emphasizing the need for clear legal frameworks to prevent societal disturbances.
Broader Context and Future Steps
The motion to pass the bill was moved by Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar, underscoring the government's commitment to its enactment. As the bill moves to the Legislative Council, debates are expected to intensify, reflecting deep-seated political and social divisions over religious freedom and state intervention.
This development occurs amidst unrelated international news, such as the Israel-Iran conflict, but remains focused on Maharashtra's internal legislative processes, highlighting the state's proactive stance on religious matters.
