Civil society groups challenge Maharashtra's new religion conversion law

Civil society groups have mounted a collective challenge to Maharashtra's newly enacted Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, contending that key provisions risk undermining fundamental constitutional freedoms. The joint statement from the coalition highlights concerns that clauses requiring prior notice, declarations, reporting mechanisms and police scrutiny of religious conversions could subject citizens' personal choices to invasive state oversight.

The groups argue that the law's architecture threatens to transform matters of faith, marriage and individual conscience into state-monitored activities. By mandating extensive notification and police involvement in conversion processes, the legislation potentially violates citizens' rights to freedom of religion and privacy, the civil society representatives contend.

The challenge reflects growing tensions in several Indian states over anti-conversion legislation. While proponents argue such laws protect religious harmony and prevent coercive conversions, critics maintain they create barriers to the constitutional right to freely choose one's religion and subject religious minorities to discriminatory scrutiny and harassment.

The civil society groups have called for a reconsideration of the Act's provisions, emphasising the need to balance state interests with protection of individual liberties guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. Legal experts are expected to weigh in on whether specific clauses might face constitutional challenges in courts.