Maharashtra introduced the ‘Dharma Swatantrya or Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026’

Why in the News

• The government of Maharashtra introduced the Dharma Swatantrya or Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 in the State Legislative Assembly to regulate religious conversions and prescribe penalties for unlawful conversions.
  

Main Provisions of the Bill

1. Definition of Unlawful Conversion

• Conversion from one religion to another through:
  
  • Allurement
    
  • Coercion or force
    
  • Misrepresentation or deceit
    
  • Threat or undue influence
    
  • Fraudulent means, including brainwashing through education.
    

2. Mass Conversion

• Defined as forced conversion of two or more persons at the same time.
  

3. Expanded Meaning of “Allurement”
The Bill broadly defines allurement to include:

• Gifts, gratification, easy money, or material benefits.
  
• Employment opportunities.
  
• Free education in institutions run by religious bodies.
  
• Promise of marriage or a better lifestyle.
  
• Claims of divine healing.
  
• Glorification of one religion over another or portraying another religion’s customs and rituals negatively.
  

4. Marriage and Religious Conversion

• Any marriage conducted solely for unlawful religious conversion will be declared null and void by a competent court.
  
• Either spouse can file a plea alleging unlawful conversion by the other.
  

5. Provision for Children

• A child born out of a marriage due to unlawful conversion will be considered to belong to the mother’s religion prior to the marriage.
  
• The child will be entitled to maintenance under Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
  
• Custody will remain with the mother, unless the court decides otherwise.
  

Punishments

• Unlawful conversion:
  
  • Up to 7 years imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine.
    
• If committed against minors, women, persons of unsound mind, or members of SC/ST communities:
  
  • Fine increased to ₹5 lakh.
    
• Mass conversion:
  
  • 7 years imprisonment and ₹5 lakh fine.
    

Significance

• The Bill aims to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions.
  
• It expands legal scrutiny over marriages linked with religious conversion.
  

The law adds stronger penalties and broader definitions, which could significantly influence debates around religious freedom and constitutional rights in India.

Source: IE