Pankaj Bhoyar said that the bill seeks to ensure that religious conversions take place voluntarily and in a transparent manner...

The Maharashtra Assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 by voice vote last night, prohibiting involuntary religious conversions, News on Air reported.

According to the report, the bill contains stringent provisions to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage.

As per the bill, those involved in unlawful religious conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of up to seven years and will also be liable to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Violations involving a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman, or a person belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes will attract imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.

Mass conversions will also carry a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. Repeat offenders may face up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh, according to the bill.

Replying to the debate in the House, Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar said that the bill seeks to ensure that religious conversions take place voluntarily and in a transparent manner, the report added.

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