By Admin 
The budget session of the Legislative Assembly is going on in Maharashtra. During this time, Religious Freedom Bill 2026 has been introduced in the House. According to the government, the purpose of this bill is to prohibit religious conversion done through force, fraud, misrepresentation, pressure, undue influence, marriage or any other fraudulent means. This bill not only tries to stop illegal conversion but the provisions made in it make it more strict and comprehensive than the laws of other states.
What is Religious Freedom Bill 2026?
The ‘Religious Freedom Bill 2026’, introduced in the Maharashtra Assembly on Friday (March 13), states that a child born out of a marriage resulting from an ‘illegal’ religious conversion will be considered to belong to the religion which his mother followed before such marriage or relationship.
The legal process of this bill says that all crimes will be cognizable and non-bailable. The investigation will be conducted by an officer of sub-inspector or above. The cases will be heard in the sessions court.
Information will have to be given 60 days in advance
At the same time, before changing religion, the person concerned will have to inform the competent authority 60 days in advance. Objections can be filed within 30 days, after which the administration can conduct a police investigation. The person and the organizing organization will have to submit the declaration form within 21 days of religious conversion.
If the declaration is not given within the stipulated time, the conversion will be considered invalid. The proposed law also includes security provisions related to rehabilitation of victims of illegal religious conversion, maintenance and custody of children.
Action will be taken if it goes against the law
In case of illegal religious conversion, FIR can be lodged by the converted person, his parents, siblings or any relative. The police will also be able to take cognizance on their own. Punishment- Maximum imprisonment of 7 years and fine of Rs 1 to 5 lakh for illegal religious conversion.
If the crime involves a minor, a woman, a mentally ill person, a person belonging to Scheduled Caste/Tribe or mass religious conversion, there will be provision for more stringent punishment. Repeat offenders can face a maximum imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 7 lakh.
Action will also be taken against the organization or officials
If you are associated with any organization, its registration can be canceled and the responsible officials will also be punished with jail and fine. Government financial assistance to organizations violating the law will be stopped.
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