Pune Christian Forum holds protest march against misuse of anti-conversion law

On Wednesday, the Pune Christian Forum held a peaceful protest march to condemn the misuse of Maharashtra's new anti-conversion law. The forum's president, Pastor Rajesh Kelkar, stated this was the first protest against the Maharashtra Dharma Swatantrya Act, 2026 in the state. Over 500 Christian community members and church representatives took part in the demonstration, which began at the Pune District Collectorate and ended at the Police Commissionerate.

The forum vehemently condemned false allegations of religious conversion and demanded an end to atrocities against the Christian community. They also called for the protection of constitutional rights to religious freedom. The forum submitted memorandums to various officials, including Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner, and Superintendent of Police Pune Rural.

These memorandums demanded a constitutional and legal review of the Maharashtra Dharma Swatantrya Act, 2026, measures to prevent false conversion complaints, a clear legal distinction between religious programs and conversions, and safeguards against the selective use of the law against any minority community.