Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Civil Society Groups Challenge Maharashtra Religion Law
Twenty groups in Maharashtra are unhappy about a new law concerning religious conversion.
They say the law makes people give notices and reports when they change their religion.
Three organisations are preparing to ask the Supreme Court to examine whether the law follows the Constitution.
The groups want the law paused before it starts on August 28.
They worry that people could be punished based on unclear ideas such as offering an “allurement.”
They also fear relatives or vigilante groups could use complaints to trouble interfaith couples.
The organisations say women and minority communities may be especially affected.
They believe people should be free to choose their religion and partners without unfair state interference.
A coalition of 20 civil society, women’s rights and religious organisations opposes the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.
People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Association for Protection of Civil Rights and Forum Against Oppression of Women are preparing a Supreme Court challenge.
The groups want Maharashtra to withdraw or suspend the law before it takes effect on August 28.
Critics object to advance notices, mandatory declarations, post-conversion reporting and criminal penalties for alleged violations.
The organisations warn the law could affect religious minorities, women, interfaith couples, Dalits, Adivasis and young adults.
- Who
- A coalition of 20 civil society, women’s rights and religious organisations, including People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Association for Protection of Civil Rights and Forum Against Oppression of Women.
- What
- The organisations oppose the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026 and are preparing a constitutional challenge in the Supreme Court of India.
- When
- The law is scheduled to come into force on August 28; the groups announced their position at a Monday press conference.
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, at the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh; the planned legal challenge will be before the Supreme Court of India.
- Why
- The groups say the law threatens personal autonomy and religious freedom and could enable surveillance, harassment and disproportionate targeting of vulnerable communities.
- Organisations involved
- 20 civil society, women’s rights and religious organisations
- Planned petitioners
- People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Association for Protection of Civil Rights and Forum Against Oppression of Women
- Scheduled start date
- August 28
- Main requirements criticised
- Advance notices, mandatory declarations and post-conversion reporting
- Criminal concerns
- The groups say alleged violations will be cognisable and non-bailable, with the accused bearing the burden of proving innocence.
- Communities identified as vulnerable
- Religious minorities, women, Dalits, Adivasis and young adults
- Reported harassment
- Christian institutions in Greater Mumbai reportedly recorded about 30 minor and major incidents involving vigilante groups over the previous eight months.