Maharashtra Drafts Anti-Conversion Law Amidst 'Love Jihad' Concerns
Maharashtra government prepares first draft of anti-conversion law, sends for vetting.
The Maharashtra government has prepared a preliminary draft of an anti-conversion law aimed at addressing alleged forced religious conversions, often referred to as "love jihad" by leaders of the ruling Mahayuti coalition. This draft has been referred to the Law and Judiciary Department for feedback. The government intends to introduce the Bill in the House for passage this year. This development follows Gujarat's amendments to its marriage registration law, which now require parental consent.
Such laws already exist in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. These laws typically criminalize religious conversions that are achieved through coercion, misrepresentation, or allurement. The specific provisions of the Maharashtra draft are yet to be publicly disclosed, but it is expected to contain similar clauses.
The move is likely to generate significant political debate, given the sensitive nature of religious conversions and the potential for misuse of such laws. The law's impact on individual liberties and minority rights will be closely scrutinized. This issue is relevant for UPSC aspirants under the Polity and Governance section, particularly concerning fundamental rights, secularism, and social justice (GS Paper II).
Key Facts
The Maharashtra government has prepared a draft of a proposed anti-conversion law.
The law aims to address alleged forced religious conversions, often referred to as "love jihad."
The preliminary draft has been sent to the Law and Judiciary Department for feedback.
The government intends to bring the Bill to the House for passage this year.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Fundamental Rights, Secularism, Social Justice
GS Paper I: Social Issues - Communalism, Religious conversions
Potential Essay Topics: Freedom of Religion vs. Social Harmony, The Role of the State in Religious Matters
In Simple Words
The Maharashtra government is working on a law to prevent forced religious conversions. Some people call these alleged conversions "love jihad." The government wants to pass this law soon.
India Angle
In India, religious conversions are a sensitive topic. This proposed law in Maharashtra could affect interfaith marriages and people's freedom to choose their religion.
For Instance
Imagine a couple from different religions wants to get married. This law might require them to get permission from their parents or the government, which could make the process more difficult.
This law could change how people in Maharashtra practice their religion and whom they choose to marry. It's important to understand how it might affect your rights and freedoms.
Maharashtra is drafting a law that could impact religious freedom and interfaith marriages.
The Maharashtra government has prepared the first draft of a proposed anti-conversion law aimed at addressing alleged forced religious conversions, often described as "love jihad" by leaders of the ruling Mahayuti coalition. The preliminary draft has been referred to the Law and Judiciary Department for feedback.
The government aims to bring the Bill to the House for passage this year. This development comes after Gujarat tabled amendments to its marriage registration law making parental consent mandatory.
Expert Analysis
The Maharashtra government's draft anti-conversion law brings several key concepts into focus. The first is Freedom of Religion, enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees all individuals the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. However, this right is subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions of Part III of the Constitution. Anti-conversion laws often raise questions about whether they unduly restrict this fundamental right, particularly the right to propagate religion. The Maharashtra law, like similar laws in other states, will likely be challenged on the grounds that it violates Article 25 by criminalizing conversions even when they are voluntary.
Another crucial concept is Secularism, a core tenet of the Indian Constitution. India's secularism, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, mandates the state to maintain neutrality towards all religions, neither favoring nor discriminating against any. Anti-conversion laws are often defended as necessary to protect vulnerable individuals from forced conversions, thereby upholding secularism. However, critics argue that such laws can be used to target minority communities and undermine the secular fabric of the nation by creating an environment of suspicion and fear around religious conversions.
The term "Love Jihad" itself is a contested concept. It is used by some to describe an alleged conspiracy by Muslim men to convert Hindu women to Islam through marriage. This term has no legal standing in India, and the Union Government has stated in Parliament that no such case has been reported by any of the central agencies. However, the term has gained traction in political discourse and is often used to justify the enactment of anti-conversion laws. The use of this term in the context of the Maharashtra law highlights the politicized nature of the issue and the potential for the law to be used to target interfaith couples.
Finally, the Right to Privacy, recognized as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court in the 2017 Puttaswamy judgment, is also relevant. Anti-conversion laws often require individuals seeking to convert to declare their intention to the authorities, which can be seen as an intrusion into their personal lives and a violation of their right to privacy. The Maharashtra law, if it includes such provisions, will likely face legal challenges on this ground as well. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts – Freedom of Religion, Secularism, the contested term 'Love Jihad', and the Right to Privacy – is crucial for both Prelims and Mains, particularly in the context of Polity and Governance (GS Paper II) and Social Justice.
Visual Insights
States with Anti-Conversion Laws (February 2026)
This map shows the states in India that have enacted anti-conversion laws as of February 2026. Maharashtra is drafting such a law.
Loading interactive map...
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
In recent years, several states have strengthened their anti-conversion laws. Uttar Pradesh passed the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act in 2020, which criminalizes religious conversions through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or by any fraudulent means or by marriage. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh enacted the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act in 2021, which also prohibits religious conversions through similar means. These laws have been criticized by human rights organizations and religious minorities for allegedly being used to harass and target interfaith couples and religious minorities.
The Gujarat government recently amended its marriage registration law to make parental consent mandatory for interfaith marriages. This amendment has also been criticized for potentially violating the right to privacy and the freedom of choice. The move by the Maharashtra government to draft an anti-conversion law is in line with this trend of increasing state regulation of religious conversions and interfaith marriages. These developments raise concerns about the potential impact on individual liberties and minority rights.
The central government has maintained that it respects the freedom of religion but is also committed to preventing forced or fraudulent conversions. However, it has not enacted a national anti-conversion law, leaving it to the states to legislate on the matter. The issue is likely to remain a subject of political and legal debate in the coming years, with potential implications for the secular fabric of the nation and the fundamental rights of its citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How could UPSC frame a Prelims question related to this Maharashtra anti-conversion law?
UPSC might frame a question testing your knowledge of Article 25 (Freedom of Religion) and its limitations, potentially creating a distractor around the idea of 'absolute' freedom versus 'reasonable restrictions' concerning public order, morality, and health. They might also ask you to arrange states with anti-conversion laws chronologically, including Odisha (1967) and Madhya Pradesh (1968).
Exam Tip
Remember that Article 25 is subject to 'reasonable restrictions.' Don't fall for options suggesting absolute religious freedom.
2. What's the difference between 'Freedom of Religion' (Article 25) and these anti-conversion laws?
Article 25 guarantees the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion. However, this right is not absolute and is subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions. Anti-conversion laws aim to regulate religious conversions, particularly those achieved through coercion, fraud, or inducement, arguing that such conversions violate the 'voluntary' aspect of religious freedom. The key difference lies in the scope: Article 25 grants a broad right, while anti-conversion laws place restrictions on how that right can be exercised, especially concerning conversions.
3. Why is the Maharashtra government drafting this law NOW, given that other states already have similar laws?
The timing likely reflects political considerations and concerns raised by the ruling Mahayuti coalition regarding alleged forced religious conversions, often termed 'love jihad.' The Gujarat government's recent amendments to its marriage registration law, requiring parental consent, may have also influenced this decision. It's also possible that the upcoming elections are a factor.
4. If a Mains question asks me to 'Critically Examine' anti-conversion laws, what points should I include?
A balanced answer should include: * Arguments in favor: Concerns about forced conversions, protection of vulnerable individuals, maintaining social harmony. * Arguments against: Potential misuse to harass interfaith couples, infringement of personal liberty and the right to choose a partner, violation of Article 25, and the vague definition of 'allurement' or 'inducement'. * Impact on secularism: How such laws align with or contradict India's secular fabric. * You must cite Supreme Court judgements related to Article 21 (Right to Privacy) and Article 25.
- •Arguments in favor: Concerns about forced conversions, protection of vulnerable individuals, maintaining social harmony.
- •Arguments against: Potential misuse to harass interfaith couples, infringement of personal liberty and the right to choose a partner, violation of Article 25, and the vague definition of 'allurement' or 'inducement'.
- •Impact on secularism: How such laws align with or contradict India's secular fabric.
- •You must cite Supreme Court judgements related to Article 21 (Right to Privacy) and Article 25.
Exam Tip
Always provide both sides of the argument and conclude with a balanced perspective.
5. How do these anti-conversion laws potentially affect interfaith couples in Maharashtra?
Such laws can create an environment of fear and suspicion for interfaith couples. They might face harassment from vigilante groups or legal challenges questioning the validity of their marriage. The requirement for prior government approval for conversion (if included in the Maharashtra law) could also delay or complicate the marriage process, infringing on their right to choose their partner and religion.
6. What are the potential implications of Maharashtra enacting this law for India's image on the international stage?
Enacting such a law could raise concerns about religious freedom and minority rights in India, potentially affecting India's image as a secular and democratic nation. International organizations and human rights groups may criticize the law if it's perceived as discriminatory or infringing on fundamental rights. This could impact diplomatic relations and trade negotiations with countries that prioritize human rights.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Article 25 of the Indian Constitution? 1. It guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion to all citizens. 2. This right is absolute and not subject to any restrictions. 3. The State can regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political or other secular activity associated with religious practice. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 25(1) of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The right is NOT absolute. It is subject to public order, morality, health and other provisions of Part III of the Constitution. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Article 25(2)(a) allows the State to regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice.
2. In the context of anti-conversion laws in India, consider the following statements: 1. The term "Love Jihad" has a legal definition under Indian law. 2. The Union Government has stated that no case of "Love Jihad" has been reported by central agencies. 3. Anti-conversion laws exist in several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The term "Love Jihad" has no legal definition under Indian law. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Union Government has stated in Parliament that no case of "Love Jihad" has been reported by any of the central agencies. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Anti-conversion laws exist in several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
3. Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of anti-conversion laws in India? A) Preventing conversions through coercion B) Preventing conversions through inducement C) Promoting religious harmony by ensuring all citizens follow the same religion D) Preventing conversions through misrepresentation
- A.Preventing conversions through coercion
- B.Preventing conversions through inducement
- C.Promoting religious harmony by ensuring all citizens follow the same religion
- D.Preventing conversions through misrepresentation
Show Answer
Answer: C
Anti-conversion laws aim to prevent conversions through coercion, inducement, and misrepresentation. They do NOT aim to promote religious harmony by ensuring all citizens follow the same religion. Such an objective would be against the secular principles of the Constitution.
Source Articles
Maharashtra begins drafting anti-conversion law, consultations on between Home and Legal Depts | Mumbai News - The Indian Express
In Maharashtra, Fadnavis govt forms panel to help frame law on ‘love jihad’, Supriya Sule says govt should focus on economic issues | Mumbai News - The Indian Express
Maharashtra panel to track interfaith marriages threatens to limit personal freedoms, can be weaponised against minorities | The Indian Express
With Maharashtra panel on tracking interfaith marriages, BJP eyes long game: Anti-conversion Bill | Political Pulse News - The Indian Express
Why BJP push for ‘love jihad’ law in Maharashtra may hit turbulence | Political Pulse News - The Indian Express
About the Author
Anshul MannPublic Policy Enthusiast & UPSC Analyst
Anshul Mann writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.
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