The Maharashtra Assembly has passed the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 to curb forced religious conversions. The Bill seeks to ensure that any conversion is voluntary and free from coercion, fraud or inducement. It prescribes strict punishment, including imprisonment of up to seven years and fines, with higher penalties where minors, women, Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes are involved. The law also covers conversions through marriage and mass conversions, aiming at transparency and legal accountability.