Bombay Archdiocese Voices Concern Over Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Law

MUMBAI, August 3, 2026: The Archdiocese of Bombay has raised concerns over the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, warning that provisions of the new law could affect religious minorities, inter-faith couples and individuals exercising their constitutional freedom of religion.

In a statement issued by its Press Office following the President’s assent to the legislation, the Archdiocese said it supports efforts to prevent conversions through force, fraud, coercion or inducement. However, it expressed concern about the manner in which similar laws have been interpreted and enforced in other states.

The Archdiocese said its objection was not to preventing unlawful conversions but to provisions that could potentially be misused against Christian communities and others exercising the rights guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution to profess, practise and propagate religion.

Among its concerns are the law’s provisions concerning “allurement”, “undue influence” and “misrepresentation”. The Archdiocese said these terms require clearer definitions, warning that broad interpretations could bring ordinary religious, educational, healthcare and charitable activities under scrutiny.

The statement also raised concerns over provisions allowing blood relatives of a person who changes religion to lodge a First Information Report without the individual’s consent. According to the Archdiocese, such a provision could interfere with an adult’s freedom of conscience and potentially be used in disputes involving inter-faith marriages or personal religious choices.

It further expressed concern over provisions allowing police to initiate investigations, saying such powers could result in increased scrutiny of prayer gatherings and institutions operated by minority communities, including schools, hospitals and social-service organisations.

The Archdiocese also questioned provisions concerning non-bailable offences and the burden of proof, arguing that they could place accused persons at a disadvantage before allegations are judicially established.

The concerns come against the backdrop of reports of intimidation and legal scrutiny involving Christian institutions engaged in education, healthcare and charitable work in different parts of India.

The Archdiocese warned that legitimate charitable and pastoral activities could potentially be misconstrued as inducement, forcing religious institutions and congregations to devote resources to legal defence rather than their social and pastoral missions.

It also cautioned that the law could create apprehension among individuals who freely choose to change their religion or marry across religious communities, potentially exposing them to increased social and legal scrutiny.

The Archdiocese called on the Maharashtra Government to ensure that the rules framed to implement the legislation contain clear definitions, procedural safeguards and adequate protections for constitutional rights.

It also advised individuals and institutions facing harassment to document incidents and approach the National Commission for Minorities or the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission for redress.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional values, the Archdiocese said it was willing to engage with the state government in dialogue to ensure that measures against fraudulent or coercive conversions do not undermine fundamental rights.

It appealed to citizens to uphold communal harmony, mutual respect and the rule of law, while assuring Christian and other minority communities of its continued solidarity and support.

By Catholic Connect Reporter