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

PolitySocial IssuesHIGH
Target:MPSCUPSC GS-IISSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
31 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:60-day prior notice7 years imprisonment10 years for repeat offendersBudget Session March 2026
Bodies:President of IndiaMaharashtra GovernorMaharashtra Legislature
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What This Article Covers

1.President Droupadi Murmu approves the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, clearing the final constitutional hurdle.

2.The law prohibits conversions by coercion, fraud, allurement, misrepresentation, or promise of marriage; mandates 60-day notice to DM.

3.Burden of proof that conversion was voluntary lies on the person conducting it; imprisonment up to 7 years, 10 years for repeat offenders.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

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.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

President Assent DateJuly 2026 (before 31st)
Prior Notice Period60 days to District Magistrate
Imprisonment (First Offence)Up to 7 years
Imprisonment (Repeat Offence)Up to 10 years
Bill Passed InBudget Session, March 2026 (Assembly & Council)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›President Assent Date: July 2026 (before 31st)
  • ›Prior Notice Period: 60 days to District Magistrate
  • ›Target this Data: 60-day prior notice to District Magistrate; imprisonment up to 7 years (first), 10 years (repeat).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: President of India (Droupadi Murmu) gave assent; Maharashtra Governor (C P Radhakrishnan) forwarded it.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: The law is the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026; passed in Budget Session March 2026.

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which constitutional authority gives final assent to a state bill after it is passed by the legislature and forwarded by the Governor?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026:

1. The law requires a 60-day prior notice to the district magistrate before any conversion.

2. The burden of proof that the conversion was voluntary lies on the person who converted.

3. The law prescribes imprisonment of up to 10 years for repeat offenders.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what is the maximum imprisonment prescribed for a repeat offender under the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What was the primary objective cited by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for introducing the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026?

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