6 days ago
Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act Takes Effect Amid Criticism
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.
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act comes into force this week.
Christian pastors in the Mumbai Metropolitan area are asking congregants to sign voluntary-attendance self-declarations.
The declarations follow disruptions and alleged harassment linked to groups including Bajrang Dal and VHP.
Seven of nine FIRs registered over the past month targeted prayer organisers, while two targeted Bajrang Dal.
Critics say the law reverses the burden of proof, imposes harsh punishments, and risks misuse.
- Who
- The Devendra Fadnavis government, Christian pastors and congregants, police, Bajrang Dal and VHP are involved in the developments described.
- What
- The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act is coming into force, prompting pastors to seek self-declarations from prayer-meeting attendees.
- Where
- The developments are occurring in Maharashtra, particularly across the Mumbai Metropolitan area.
- When
- The Act comes into force this week; the article refers to seven of nine FIRs registered over the last month.
- Why
- Pastors are seeking declarations because of reported harassment, disrupted prayer meetings and concerns about possible misuse of the new law.
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









