Maharashtra’s new anti-conversion law put to use for first time in Pune
Pune police registered their first case under Maharashtra's new Freedom of Religion Act just days after the legislation came into effect on August 1, 2026. The charge involves a 22-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh accused of attempting to convert his underage partner, who is a minor, to Christianity. Alongside this, police also registered a separate case against a UK-based citizen with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
The second individual was alleged to have participated in religious gatherings, though not allowed to preach without proper authorization. The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026 outlines severe penalties for conversion-related offenses, including up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh when minors are involved.
It criminalizes coercion, fraud, and other means used to induce conversions, with special protections in place for vulnerable groups like women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and individuals of unsound mind. The Act requires individuals planning to convert to provide advance notice to the district magistrate.
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