The short version
- Churches in Maharashtra have begun requiring attendees to sign forms stating they are praying voluntarily to protect against accusations of illegal conversion under new state legislation.
- The law imposes severe penalties for conversions achieved through force or inducement and requires advance notification for voluntary changes in faith, drawing criticism for its broad scope.
- Legal advocates report increased harassment of prayer meetings and uncertainty among minority communities regarding the legality of simple religious gatherings.
Religious institutions in Maharashtra, a state that includes India’s financial hub of Mumbai, have introduced an informal administrative measure to shield congregants from legal scrutiny. Following the implementation of stringent anti-conversion legislation in late August, several churches began asking visitors to complete written declarations before participating in services. These documents typically require individuals to record their names and identification numbers while affirming that their presence is entirely voluntary and free from external pressure or enticement.
The forms hold no official legal status but serve as a defensive mechanism for church organizers. By maintaining these records, religious leaders aim to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations should authorities challenge a prayer meeting. The practice reflects a growing anxiety within minority communities, particularly among Christians, who fear that even routine worship could be misconstrued as an attempt to convert others under the broad definitions established by the state government.
Maharashtra’s recent legislation prohibits religious conversions facilitated by force, fraud, coercion, or inducement. It also mandates that individuals seeking to change their faith voluntarily must notify government authorities in advance. Violations can result in prison sentences of up to seven years, with penalties increasing to ten years for repeat offenses. State officials argue that the law is necessary to protect socially and economically vulnerable populations from being deceived or forced into changing their religious affiliation.
Critics, however, contend that the statute’s vague language and harsh punishments risk state intrusion into deeply personal matters of belief. They argue that the requirement to report voluntary conversions and the criminalization of perceived inducements blur the line between legitimate religious practice and illegal activity. The state government has not responded to repeated requests for comment regarding these concerns or the specific implementation guidelines for local law enforcement.
The impact of the law is being felt most acutely in areas with significant minority populations. Devdan Tribhuvan, a legal aid provider in the Mumbai suburb of Vasai, reports a shift in the nature of inquiries he receives. Rather than seeking representation for court cases, individuals are increasingly approaching him with questions about their rights to gather for prayer. Many describe encounters with strangers entering churches to interrogate attendees about their motives and whether they received any benefits for attending.
These interruptions often target individuals whose names do not align with traditional Christian naming conventions, leading to pointed questioning about coercion or inducement. An investigation by The Indian Express documented multiple disruptions of Christian prayer meetings in the Mumbai area between April and July. These incidents resulted in nine police cases, the majority filed against worshippers or organizers rather than those accused of harassment. Police authorities have not provided detailed responses regarding these specific cases or the actions taken.
The tension underscores a broader debate over religious freedom in India. While Maharashtra is one of more than a dozen states to enact similar restrictions, the laws vary in scope and enforcement. Many of these statutes are currently facing legal challenges in the Supreme Court. The expansion of such regulations has been particularly notable in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, where Hindu nationalist groups have long alleged that minority religions use material incentives to draw converts from Hindu communities.
Mumbai itself presents a complex religious landscape where diverse faiths coexist and often intermingle. Followers of various religions visit shrines associated with other traditions, such as Hindus lighting candles at the Catholic Mount Mary Basilica or Muslims visiting the Haji Ali shrine. This historical pattern of shared spiritual spaces contrasts sharply with the current climate of suspicion. Legal advocates question whether the mere act of gathering for prayer can now be interpreted as conversion, highlighting the uncertainty that pervades religious life in the region.
The controversy extends beyond church services to affect interfaith relationships and marriages. Critics argue that the laws empower groups to involve police in private matters of belief and marriage, potentially fueling harassment against interfaith couples. While the state government maintains that the legislation leaves room for voluntary choice, opponents remain skeptical about how authorities will distinguish between genuine consent and subtle coercion. The outcome of ongoing legal challenges may determine the future of religious practice in Maharashtra and other states with similar laws.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Sign before praying: A new conversion law is affecting churchgoers in Indian state
