Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill 2026: Life Term for 'Mass' Conversion, Mandatory Public Notice

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

Maharashtra's new anti-conversion law (2026) takes effect on August 28, requiring a 60-day advance notice to the District Magistrate for conversion and imposing up to 7 years' imprisonment for first-time forced conversion offenses. The law has sparked concerns among minority communities about its potential misuse against interfaith relationships and routine religious practice.

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.

Patna HC Rules Religious Freedom Under Article 25 Subject to Public Order and Morality

Patna High Court holds that the right to profess and practise religion under Article 25 is not absolute and can be restricted for public order, morality, and health. This reiterates the essential religious practices doctrine and clarifies that constitutional protection does not extend to every mode of exercise. A plea for 300 devotees in a religious procession in Siwan, Bihar, was dismissed citing past law-and-order incidents.

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.

Allahabad HC Upholds Mandatory Govt Service Bond for Subsidised PG Medical Education

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that doctors who pursue subsidised PG medical education cannot evade the mandatory two-year government service bond, even if there is administrative delay in providing posting. The court held that the bond ensures availability of doctors in government hospitals and protects patients' right to life under Article 21.

Allahabad HC: Public Employment is Public Trust; Unlawful Appointments Under Articles 14 & 16 Cannot Be Protected

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that public employment is a public trust, and appointments secured through deceit, misrepresentation, or abuse of judicial process cannot be protected. The court upheld the termination of a teacher whose appointment was found unlawful, and ordered recovery of salary and benefits received under interim court protection, reinforcing the constitutional mandate of equality under Articles 14 and 16.

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.

Goa Cabinet Approves Anti-Conversion Bill 2026: Life Imprisonment, ₹5 Lakh Compensation, Void Marriage

Goa has joined the list of states with anti-conversion laws. The Goa Cabinet cleared the 'Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026' with stringent provisions including life imprisonment, hefty fines, and declaring marriages void if performed solely for conversion. The Bill will be tabled in the monsoon session starting August 31. This is a high-relevance news for Polity (Article 25), State Legislatures, and Social Issues.