The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026, commonly known as the Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Bill. The law proposes strict penalties for forced religious conversions and conversions carried out through fraud, coercion, or allurement. Important Current Affairs for APSC & UPSC. Read More below.
Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026
The Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026—popularly referred to as the Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Bill—has been approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet.The bill seeks to provide stronger legal safeguards against forced conversions.
Target Issue
- Addresses forced religious conversions through: Coercion, Fraud, Misrepresentation, Allurement.
Key Provision
- Conversion for marriage declared illegal.
- Bill aims to protect Hindu girls from forced conversions.
Committee Findings
- Examined laws in other states dealing with forced conversion.
- Recommended stricter legal provisions.
Punishment Under the Proposed Law
- Imprisonment: Up to 7 years
- Fine: Up to ₹5 lakh
Judicial Context
- Supreme Court of India earlier noted states can enact laws against forced conversions. This observation provides constitutional backing for state-level legislation addressing the issue.
States with Similar Anti-Conversion Laws
Several states in India have already enacted laws aimed at preventing forced religious conversions. These include:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Himachal Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Chhattisgarh
- Jharkhand
- Rajasthan
LUCENT IAS Practice Question
Q.The Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026 aims to prevent religious conversions carried out through which of the following methods?
- Coercion
- Fraud
- Misrepresentation
- Allurement
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: D
Q.Under the proposed Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026, the maximum financial penalty for unlawful religious conversion is:
A. ₹1 lakh
B. ₹2 lakh
C. ₹5 lakh
D. ₹10 lakh
Correct Answer: C
About Lucent IAS
Lucent IAS is a premier coaching institute in Guwahati, dedicated to empowering APSC aspirants with a result-oriented approach. Recognized as a top destination for APSC Coaching, we offer comprehensive guidance ranging from Foundation Courses and Advanced Mains preparation to our signature Assam-Centric study modules. With expert faculty, small batch sizes for personalized mentoring, and the acclaimed Saadhana Test Series, Lucent IAS is committed to helping you crack the Civil Services Examination.
Publications From LUCENT IAS
- “The Assam Odyssey: The Complete Assam Centric Resource useful for APSC CCE and various other Departmental Examinations. Read More
- InExam PYQ Explained.Read More
- Mains Tattva: The Craft of Answer Writing (GS Paper PYQs). Read More
- Maanchitra – An Illustrative Colour-Coded Informative Map of Assam. Read More
- প্ৰাৰম্ভ (Prarambha). Read More
- অসম ওডিচী – The Assam Odyssey (Assamese Edition). Read More
Start your journey to success today. Visit us at lucentias.com or call +91-6913007777 for more details.