India, Aug. 3 -- Maharashtra's anti-conversion law has come into force following President Droupadi Murmu's assent and its publication in the state gazette, with those found guilty of religious conversion through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage-related deception facing up to seven years in prison.

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, was notified in the state gazette on July 30 after the Bill was passed by both Houses of the state legislature during the budget session in March.

Under the law, a person intending to convert to another religion must inform the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance and comply with prescribed procedures after the conversion.

The legislation makes religious conversion through forc...