📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Jorge Royan
Religion
Maharashtra's Conversion Law Forces Churches to Obtain Consent Forms from Attendees
✍️ Amar Ujala · Maharashtra
🗓 25 Aug 2026, 01:32 PM
👁 6
Under the state's new anti-conversion legislation, churches in Maharashtra must now secure written consent from anyone entering their premises, a move aimed at curbing forced religious conversions.
The Maharashtra government has enacted a stringent anti-conversion law that obliges all places of worship, including Christian churches, to obtain a written consent form from every individual who wishes to attend services. The provision, which came into effect this week, is intended to document that attendees are joining voluntarily and not under any coercion.
Church leaders across the state have expressed concern that the new requirement could deter worshippers and infringe on religious freedom. Representatives of the Maharashtra Christian Association said the consent forms add an administrative burden and may create fear among congregants, especially in rural areas where literacy levels vary.
Legal experts note that the law aligns with similar statutes in other Indian states, but its implementation will be closely watched by civil‑rights groups. The state police and local municipal authorities have been tasked with monitoring compliance, and non‑compliant churches could face penalties ranging from fines to temporary closure.
The move comes amid a broader national debate on religious conversion, with the central government urging states to adopt measures that prevent "forced" conversions while safeguarding individual choice. Observers say the Maharashtra law could set a precedent for other states seeking to tighten regulations on religious gatherings.
Church leaders across the state have expressed concern that the new requirement could deter worshippers and infringe on religious freedom. Representatives of the Maharashtra Christian Association said the consent forms add an administrative burden and may create fear among congregants, especially in rural areas where literacy levels vary.
Legal experts note that the law aligns with similar statutes in other Indian states, but its implementation will be closely watched by civil‑rights groups. The state police and local municipal authorities have been tasked with monitoring compliance, and non‑compliant churches could face penalties ranging from fines to temporary closure.
The move comes amid a broader national debate on religious conversion, with the central government urging states to adopt measures that prevent "forced" conversions while safeguarding individual choice. Observers say the Maharashtra law could set a precedent for other states seeking to tighten regulations on religious gatherings.