India, March 18 -- The controversial Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 was passed by the legislative council on Tuesday, a day after it was cleared by the state legislative assembly. The bill was passed in the council by a voice vote but will require the governor's assent before it becomes law.

The bill includes stringent provisions to curb "unlawful" religious conversions carried out through means such as coercion, fraud and inducement. Civil society groups have challenged the bill, saying it can be misused even against individuals converting of their own volition.

Under the proposed law, individuals wanting to switch religions must provide 60-days' notice to the district authorities and seek their approval. It also places the ...