Mumbai: The Maharashtra Assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 by voice vote, aiming to curb religious conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage.
The Bill provides up to 7 years of imprisonment and a ₹1 lakh fine for unlawful conversions linked to marriage. Offences involving minors, women, persons of unsound mind, or those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will attract 7 years in jail and a ₹5 lakh fine.
Mass conversions carry similar penalties, while repeat offenders may face up to 10 years of imprisonment along with a ₹5 lakh fine.