Maharashtra’s New Anti-Conversion Law Raises Concerns Among Christians

Maharashtra’s New Anti-Conversion Law Raises Concerns Among Christians MUMBAI, INDIA — A new religious freedom law in Maharashtra has come into effect, prompting concerns among Catholic and other Christian leaders about its possible impact on evangelization, pastoral activities and social service initiatives. The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026 was approved by the state legislature and came into force on August 28 after receiving presidential assent. According to the law, its purpose is to prevent religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion, false claims, financial inducements or other forms of undue pressure. The legislation includes restrictions on practices such as offering money or gifts, promising employment or free education, offering marriage or a better lifestyle, and invoking divine healing with the intention of encouraging a person to change religion. Presenting one religion as superior to another with the intention of facilitating conversion may also come under the law. Violations can carry significant penalties, including imprisonment of up to seven years and fines of up to ₹100,000. Repeat offences can attract imprisonment of up to ten years. Fides also reports that complaints may be initiated by relatives or acquaintances of an alleged victim, a provision that Christian leaders fear could expose priests, religious workers and other pastoral personnel to legal proceedings based on allegations. Bishop Simon Almeida of Poona said the legislation could make Christian evangelization more difficult. According to the bishop, Catholics in Maharashtra do not seek to force people to convert, but some individuals who are interested in Christianity may now face additional restrictions in exploring their faith. The bishop also expressed concern about preaching. He said Christian ministers may need to exercise greater caution when expressing core Christian teachings, particularly statements about Jesus Christ, because such statements could potentially be interpreted as denigrating or comparing other religions. Christian social institutions could also face increased scrutiny. Maharashtra has numerous Catholic organizations working in education, healthcare, social assistance and support for poor, Dalit and tribal communities. Church leaders fear that some of these activities could be questioned or misunderstood as attempts to promote religious conversion. Despite these concerns, Bishop Almeida emphasized dialogue rather than confrontation. Church leaders say they want to engage with the government to ensure that efforts to prevent coercive or fraudulent conversions do not undermine fundamental rights, including freedom of conscience. The United Christian Forum of India has also urged the Maharashtra government to reconsider and postpone implementation of the legislation. The organization emphasized that Christian charitable work is intended to serve people with dignity and compassion rather than to seek new religious followers. Christian leaders are also pointing to the Indian Constitution, which protects the freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion, subject to constitutional limitations related to public order, morality and public health. The debate in Maharashtra is therefore likely to continue as Christian organizations seek clarification and dialogue with authorities over how the new law will affect religious expression, pastoral ministry and community service.