Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act Takes Effect August 28

In a place called Maharashtra in India, a new law is starting on August 28.

The law says people cannot be tricked or forced into changing their religion.

If someone is forced or fooled, the people who did it can go to jail for up to seven years and pay a big fine.

The fine can be as much as five lakh rupees, which is a lot of money.

If adults want to change their religion on their own, they must tell the government 60 days before.

The law applies to everyone, no matter which religion they follow.

If a person changes religion unfairly and then has a child, the child is seen as belonging to the mother's original religion.

The government says the law protects people from bad conversions.

Some people say the law stops them from choosing their religion freely.