Maharashtra to Introduce Stricter Anti-Conversion Law in December: Minister

Rapid Summary:

• Maharashtra plans to bring a stringent anti-religious conversion law during the upcoming winter session of the legislature, according to Minister of State for Home (Rural) Pankaj Bhoyar.
• The law is set to have stricter provisions than those in similar legislation across 10 other Indian states.
• A panel led by the Director General of Police has submitted a report on framing this law, which will be tabled during December’s Winter Session in Nagpur.
• Maharashtra would become the 11th Indian state with an anti-conversion law.
• Raising concerns about forced conversions, Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande cited incidents involving religious pressure in Sangli and pune districts.She questioned whether Maharashtra’s government would enact legislation like other states which already have these laws-such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh-among others.
• Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule had previously confirmed efforts toward enacting this strict law and would consult Chief minister Devendra fadnavis on its provisions.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The introduction of an anti-religious conversion bill underscores rising concerns regarding forced conversions raised by lawmakers within Maharashtra. While religious freedom remains a constitutionally protected right in India under Article 25,such laws aim to address allegations involving coercion or fraudulent means often cited by proponents of anti-conversion legislation. With Maharashtra set to join 10 other states that have enacted similar laws, questions may arise regarding implementation processes and safeguarding individual rights amidst stricter legal frameworks. If introduced successfully during the Winter Session, both enforcement mechanisms and potential scrutiny over misuse might impact civil liberties discourse within India going forward.

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