Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026: 60-Day Notice, 7-Year Prison Term for Forced Conversion

President Murmu Assents Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Law: 60-Day Notice, 7-Year Jail for Violations

Maharashtra's anti-conversion law receives President's assent, becoming the latest state to regulate religious conversions. The law mandates a 60-day prior notice to the district magistrate, places the burden of proof on the converter, and prescribes up to 7 years imprisonment (10 years for repeat offenders). This is crucial for understanding state legislative powers, fundamental rights (Article 25), and the ongoing debate on religious freedom versus regulation.

Bombay HC Directs Maharashtra to Regularise Over 450 Contractual Medical Staff, Flags Ad-Hocism in Public Employment

The Bombay High Court has directed Maharashtra to end long-term contractual hiring, specifically ordering the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation to regularise over 450 medical officers and paramedical staff who served 8–11 years on contract. The Court flagged 'ad-hocism' in public employment and linked it to the state's unemployment crisis, making this a landmark ruling for contractual workers' rights in government services.

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026 Enforced: First FIR Under Sections 3 and 9(2) Involving Minor

Maharashtra's new anti-conversion law (Freedom of Religion Act, 2026) has been enforced with the first FIR registered in Pune against a 22-year-old man for allegedly attempting to convert a minor. The law, effective August 1, 2026, prohibits conversion through coercion, fraud, or allurement and places the burden of proof on the converter, with enhanced penalties for minors, women, SC/ST, and persons of unsound mind.

SC Collegium Elevation Threatens Maratha Quota Case; 10% SEBC Reservation at Risk

The Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation to transfer Bombay HC Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge to Calcutta HC may force a fresh hearing of the challenge to Maharashtra’s 2024 Maratha reservation law after 20 sittings. This is the second time a bench change has stalled the politically sensitive case, putting the 10% SEBC quota for the Maratha community in legal limbo.

Bombay HC Rules Community Health Volunteers Entitled to Minimum Wage Under 1948 Act

The Bombay High Court has ruled that community health volunteers working for the BMC are entitled to minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, rejecting the argument that their honorarium exempts them. This judgment strengthens labour rights for contractual and volunteer workers, an important topic for UPSC labour jurisprudence and social security.

SC Dismisses Plea to Abolish Hanging; PM CARES Fund Donations Jump 592% to ₹480 Crore in 2024-25

Today's news highlights key developments for exam aspirants: the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of execution by hanging but left the door open for a government review; the PM CARES Fund disclosed a massive 592% jump in donations to ₹480 crore but spent only 0.1% of it; and the SC sought a government response on a standardized probe for paper leak cases. These stories cover constitutional law, transparency in public charities, and governance reforms.

Bombay HC Orders Reimbursement to 4 NEET Toppers Denied Govt Seats Due to EWS, Maratha Quotas

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to reimburse fees of four medical students who were denied government college seats despite higher NEET scores, due to the application of EWS and Maratha quotas. The court criticized the 'non-transparent' implementation of the state's reimbursement scheme and upheld the primacy of merit. This judgment is significant for understanding the judicial scrutiny of reservation policies and the principle of merit in public admissions.

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026 Takes Effect: Churches Seek Self-Declaration Forms from Worshippers

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, which came into force on July 30, 2026, has led churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to ask worshippers to fill self-declaration forms confirming their voluntary attendance. This is a response to attacks on churches and concerns over false accusations of forced conversions under the new law. Students must note the penal provisions: 60-day advance notice to district magistrate, 7-year imprisonment for violations.