Tue Jul 15 04:12:44 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra to Enact Strictest Anti-Conversion Law Yet

**Mumbai, July 15, 2025** – The Maharashtra government plans to introduce a stringent anti-conversion law during the winter session of the state legislature, Minister of State for Home (Rural) Pankaj Bhoyar announced on Monday. The proposed legislation aims to curb forced religious conversions and will be stricter than similar laws already in place in ten other Indian states.

Bhoyar, speaking in the Legislative Council, confirmed that Maharashtra will become the 11th state to implement such a law. A panel led by the Director General of Police has drafted a report, which has been submitted. The new law will be presented in the winter session, usually held in December in Nagpur.

The announcement follows growing concerns raised by members of the Legislative Council regarding alleged forced conversions in the state. Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande cited specific instances, including the suicide of a pregnant woman reportedly pressured to convert by her in-laws, and a family dispute in Pune that resulted in cross FIRs being filed.

Kayande pressed the government on whether it would follow the lead of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, all of which have existing anti-conversion laws.

This development comes on the heels of a statement made last week by Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who also advocated for a strict anti-conversion law with robust provisions. He stated his intention to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to facilitate the law’s enactment.

The details of the proposed law remain under wraps, but Minister Bhoyar’s assurance of a stricter approach suggests Maharashtra is aiming to set a new precedent in the enforcement of anti-conversion measures. The upcoming winter session promises a heated debate on the controversial topic.

Read More