Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Pune Christians Protest Alleged Misuse of Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Law
More than 500 Christians and church representatives marched peacefully in Pune.
They were protesting what they called misuse of a new Maharashtra anti-conversion law.
The law is called the Maharashtra Dharma Swatantrya Act, 2026.
Protesters said some people have been falsely accused of converting others.
They also said Christians should be protected from attacks and unfair treatment.
The group wants the law to be reviewed using constitutional and legal standards.
It also wants safeguards to prevent the law from being misused.
Pastor Rajesh Kelkar said this was the first protest against the law in Maharashtra.
More than 500 Christians and church representatives joined the Pune Christian Forum’s peaceful protest march.
The march opposed the alleged misuse of the Maharashtra Dharma Swatantrya Act, 2026.
Protesters condemned what they described as false allegations of religious conversion.
The forum demanded an end to atrocities against Christians and protection of religious freedom.
The march travelled from the Pune District Collectorate to the Police Commissionerate seeking legal safeguards and review of the law.
- Who
- More than 500 Christians, church representatives, and the Pune Christian Forum, led by president Pastor Rajesh Kelkar.
- What
- A peaceful protest march against the alleged misuse of the Maharashtra Dharma Swatantrya Act, 2026.
- When
- Wednesday; the law was enacted earlier this year.
- Where
- The march began at the Pune District Collectorate and ended at the Police Commissionerate.
- Why
- Protesters sought a review of the law, safeguards against misuse, an end to alleged false conversion allegations and atrocities, and protection of religious freedom.
- Organiser
- Pune Christian Forum
- Participants
- More than 500 Christians and representatives from various churches
- Law at issue
- Maharashtra Dharma Swatantrya Act, 2026
- Starting point
- Pune District Collectorate
- Ending point
- Police Commissionerate
- Main demands
- Legal and constitutional review of the law, safeguards against misuse, and protection of religious freedom
- Claim by forum president
- Pastor Rajesh Kelkar said it was the first protest in Maharashtra against the Act