Maharashtra's anti-conversion law reaches the Bombay High Court.
Less than a month after it passed, the law that punishes religious conversion with up to 10 years in prison is being challenged in court — for violating the privacy, dignity, and personal autonomy guaranteed by India's Constitution.
According to a report by International Christian Concern (ICC) published on September 14, 2026, a petition filed on the 11th in the Bombay High Court seeks constitutional review of Maharashtra's new anti-conversion law, passed in August. The petitioner is a 70-year-old Islamic scholar — a sign that the law worries every religious minority in the state, not only Christians.
The petition acknowledges the state's legitimate interest in preventing forced conversions, but argues that the law goes far beyond that and works as "an overbroad mechanism of state surveillance" over people's religious lives.
What is being challenged
- A vague definition of "allurement": broad enough to criminalize charity, social welfare, and even prayer for the sick.
- Harsh penalties: up to 10 years in prison.
- A reversed burden of proof: anyone who shares their faith is treated as guilty until they prove the conversion was voluntary.
A second attempt
This is not the first challenge. On August 21, the court's Nagpur Bench dismissed an earlier petition over pleading deficiencies — without ruling on the law itself. The new case asks for exactly that: for the judges to examine, in light of the Constitution, the rules on consent, prior disclosure, alleged inducement, and the burden of proof in criminal cases.
What has already changed for churches
With this law, Maharashtra became the 13th Indian state with legislation of this kind. The state government had already ordered an audit of church and mission properties and, according to ICC, recently demolished an independent church building in the state's interior. In Mumbai, about 4,000 churches now ask attendees to sign "self-declaration forms" stating they are there of their own free will — a way to protect themselves from forced-conversion charges.
The outcome may matter beyond Maharashtra: similar laws are in force in 12 other states, and a ruling on the merits by the Bombay High Court is likely to be cited in similar disputes across the country.
Background: India's anti-conversion laws: thirteen states, one logic
Pray for the judges of the Bombay High Court, that they rule with justice and respect for freedom of conscience; for Maharashtra's churches, which gather under surveillance and fear of accusations; and for the state's Christians to keep serving and sharing the gospel with courage and wisdom.
More News
Religious FreedomMaharashtra Passes Severe Anti-Conversion Law
The new law allows up to 10 years in prison for repeat offenders, even as data shows religious minorities have stayed stable for decades.
Religious FreedomMaharashtra Orders Audit of Church and Mission Properties
The state government ordered a time-bound review of land tied to churches and mission organizations.
Religious FreedomSupreme Court Petition Warns of Violence by Radical Groups
India's highest court is reviewing reports of hate speech and vigilante attacks against Christians.