Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Anti-Conversion Bill Requiring Prior Approval

Maharashtra's New Anti-Conversion Legislation

The Maharashtra Cabinet has given the green light to a draft bill aimed at regulating religious conversions. Under this proposed legislation, individuals wishing to convert to any religion must obtain permission from a designated authority beforehand. An official explained that those intending to convert are required to provide a notice period of 60 days and must secure approval from the appointed authority prior to the conversion. Furthermore, the conversion must be registered with the authority within 25 days; otherwise, it will be deemed invalid.

According to the bill, if a blood relative of the person seeking conversion files a complaint alleging illegality, the police will be obligated to register a First Information Report (FIR) and conduct an investigation. The legislation clarifies that the right to religious freedom does not encompass forced, fraudulent, or coerced conversions, but rather includes the right to protection against such illegal conversions. Nitesh Rane, a minister and BJP leader in Maharashtra, stated that the Cabinet has approved a robust anti-conversion law, fulfilling a promise made by the party ahead of the assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters in the assembly complex, Rane emphasized that the party had firmly committed to introducing stringent anti-conversion legislation, often referred to as the anti-love jihad law, upon coming to power. He expressed great satisfaction that the Cabinet has now approved such a stringent anti-conversion law. Rane also thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Sunetra Pawar for their support in this decision, noting that the bill has been approved under the proposed 'Religious Freedom Act 2026.'