Threat to Constitutional freedoms: Civil society groups oppose Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026
Civil society groups in Maharashtra are opposing the upcoming Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, citing concerns over state overreach and threats to personal liberty. Critics argue that the law's broad definitions and police powers could infringe upon constitutional rights, particularly for marginalized communities.
Why it matters
The Act represents a significant shift in state-level regulation of religious conversion and personal autonomy, sparking a debate on the balance between state security and individual privacy.
The Joint Civil Society on Monday (24 August 2026) opposed the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, calling it a serious threat to Constitutional freedoms, privacy and social harmony, days before the Act is set to come into force on August 28, 2026.
In a statement, the group said provisions requiring prior notice, declarations, reporting and police scrutiny of religious conversions could subject matters of faith, marriage and personal choice to intrusive State oversight.
The group also cited the recent invocation of the Act by Pune police in two FIRs before the law was due to come into force. Police subsequently removed the provisions after the State government notified August 28 as the commencement date.
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