Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Pune Police Withdraws Religion Act Sections From Two Cases
Pune Police used a new religious-conversion law in two cases.
Later, officers learned that the law was not active when the cases were registered.
The law is scheduled to begin on August 26, 2026.
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said the law’s sections were removed from the cases.
He said the police will still investigate both cases under other laws.
One case involves a man accused of forcing his minor wife to convert.
The other involves a United Kingdom OCI cardholder accused of trying to influence people to become Christians.
The police said the mistake happened because the starting date was not clear after presidential assent was announced.
Pune Police removed Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act provisions from two cases.
The Act is scheduled to come into force on August 26, 2026.
Police said officials initially assumed the Act was already operational after presidential assent was notified.
Other laws invoked in both cases will remain in force and investigations will continue.
The cases involve alleged forced conversion of a minor wife and alleged efforts to promote Christianity through gatherings.
- Who
- Pune City Police, led by Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, revised two cases involving a 22-year-old man and a United Kingdom OCI cardholder.
- What
- Police withdrew provisions of the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act but retained charges under other applicable laws.
- When
- The cases were registered on August 5 and on an unspecified date; the Act is scheduled to come into force on August 26, 2026.
- Where
- The cases were registered at Fursungi and Khadak police stations in Pune.
- Why
- Officials initially assumed the Act was already in force, but later determined it had not been implemented when the offences were registered.
- Law involved
- Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act
- Scheduled enforcement date
- August 26, 2026
- Cases revised
- Two
- First case
- Registered at Fursungi police station on August 5; a 22-year-old man was accused of forcing his minor wife to convert.
- Second case
- Registered at Khadak police station; a United Kingdom OCI cardholder was accused of attempting to influence people to embrace Christianity through religious gatherings.
- Police action
- Sections under the Act were withdrawn, while provisions under other laws remained.