Maharashtra Cabinet Clears ‘Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026’: Proposed Law Seeks Stricter Regulation of Religious Conversions.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Mumbai | March 6, 2026:: The cabinet of the BJP–Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra has approved the draft of a proposed anti-conversion legislation titled Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026, introducing a structured legal framework to regulate religious conversions in the state. The bill aims to curb conversions allegedly carried out through coercion, deception, or inducements, while outlining a formal process for individuals who wish to voluntarily change their religion.

The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with support from Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar. The draft law is expected to be placed before the Maharashtra legislature in the coming period for debate and possible passage.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Law

According to the draft provisions, the legislation proposes a mandatory procedural framework for individuals intending to convert to another religion.

• 60-day prior notice: Any person wishing to change their religion will be required to submit a written notice to a designated government authority at least 60 days before the intended conversion.
• Official permission: The conversion can take place only after obtaining formal approval from the concerned authority.
• Post-conversion registration: After the conversion is completed, the individual must register the change within 25 days with the relevant authority.
• Validity clause: If the registration requirement is not completed within the stipulated time, the conversion may be treated as invalid under the proposed law.

The bill states that the objective is to ensure that religious conversions occur through free will and informed consent, and not through unlawful methods.

Provisions to Address Alleged Forced Conversions

The draft law also includes provisions for legal action in cases where conversions are suspected to have occurred through illegal means such as force, fraud, misrepresentation, or inducements.

Under the proposal:

• A close family member of the person who has converted can file a complaint if they suspect unlawful conversion.
• Once such a complaint is lodged, the police would be required to register a First Information Report (FIR) and initiate an investigation.
• Authorities would then examine whether the conversion was voluntary or involved coercive or deceptive practices.

The legislation emphasises that the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom protects voluntary faith choices, but it does not extend to conversions obtained through coercion, manipulation, or misleading practices.

Government’s Stand on the Bill

Reacting to the cabinet’s approval, Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane said the move fulfils a key promise made by the party ahead of the Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai, Rane said the government had committed to bringing a strong anti-conversion law, often referred to by some supporters as legislation against so-called “love jihad”.

“We had firmly stated during the Assembly elections that once we come to power, we will bring a strong anti-conversion law in Maharashtra. Today, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction that such a strong law has been approved by the cabinet,” he said.

Rane also thanked Chief Minister Fadnavis and the deputy chief ministers for backing the proposal and said that a government resolution detailing the provisions of the law will be issued soon.

Demand from Activist Groups

According to the minister, the demand for such legislation has been repeatedly raised by activists and several Hindutva organisations, which have held protests and demonstrations in recent years seeking stricter legal measures against alleged forced religious conversions.

If passed by the state legislature, the Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026 would place Maharashtra among several Indian states that have enacted or proposed anti-conversion laws regulating religious change. The bill will now move to the legislative stage, where it is expected to be debated before a final decision on its enactment is taken.
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_Agency Inputs.