6 days ago

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act Takes Effect Amid Criticism

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act Takes Effect Amid Criticism
Devendra Fadnavis government’s anti-conversion law, language diktats shrink Mumbai · indianexpress.com

A new law about religious conversion is starting in Maharashtra this week.

Some Christian pastors in the Mumbai area are worried about how the law could be used.

They are asking people to sign papers saying they attend prayer meetings by choice.

This follows reports of meetings being disrupted and people being harassed.

The article says groups such as Bajrang Dal and VHP were involved in some disruptions.

During the past month, most of the police cases were filed against people who organised prayers.

Critics say the law makes it too easy to complain against religious activities.

They also say it gives the authorities strong powers and could be misused.

Key facts

Law
Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act
Effective date
Comes into force this week
Location
Mumbai Metropolitan area and Maharashtra
FIRs in the past month
Nine
FIRs against prayer organisers
Seven
FIRs against Bajrang Dal
Two
Required measures described
Advance intimation to the district magistrate and possible complaints by relatives as well as individuals involved

Sources

Related news