States » WestPosted at: Dec 5 2025 12:29AM


Citizens Social Foundation demands Anti-Illegal conversion law in Maharashtra

Pune, Dec 4 (UNI) In light of the increasing incidents of alleged illegal religious conversions in Maharashtra, the Citizens Social Foundation (NSF) on Thursday urged the state government to immediately enact the “Maharashtra Freedom of Religion (Prevention of Fraud & Coercion) Act.” The organisation has already submitted a formal demand letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, informed Adv. Sarvesh Mehendale during a press conference held at the Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh on Thursday.
Ameya Sapre and Pritam Thorve were present at the briefing. In its letter, NSF stated that tribal-dominated regions of Maharashtra particularly Dhule, Nandurbar, Pune, and Thane districts have been reporting recurring complaints of conversions allegedly carried out through coercion, fraud, or inducements. Such conversions, they argued, undermine an individual’s right to religious freedom and pose a serious threat to social harmony.
The organisation emphasized that religious conversion must always be based on personal belief, free will, and informed consent. Any conversion resulting from pressure, deceit, monetary benefits, or other incentives should be declared illegal. A law of this nature, they said, would help protect all communities, uphold communal harmony, and ensure social peace while preventing misuse of foreign funds and unauthorized religious establishments. It would also enable strict action against individuals or organisations found guilty of conducting illegal conversions.
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