Mumbai, March 16 -- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday defended the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, stating that the legislation is intended to prevent unlawful religious conversions and does not discriminate against any religion.
Responding to questions from the media during the ongoing Budget Session of the state legislature, he said critics should read the bill carefully before opposing it, as it aims to curb malpractice rather than restrict religious freedom.
Fadnavis said the legislation is designed to prevent conversions carried out through coercion, deception, intimidation or inducement. He clarified that every individual has the right to change religion voluntarily, but if someone forces or lures another person ...