Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has criticised the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, which is set to come into force on Aug. 28, arguing that several provisions threaten freedom of conscience, religious liberty, privacy and personal autonomy.
Jamiat president Maulana Mahmood Madani said the freedom to choose one’s religion forms an essential part of religious liberty. He argued that vague terms such as ‘allurement’ and ‘fraudulent’ conversion might bring peaceful religious propagation within criminal law.
He also raised concerns over provisions involving religious teachings about salvation and reward in the hereafter. He said such provisions risk restricting the constitutional right to propagate religion.He referred to mandatory declarations, police inquiries and disclosure of personal information linked to conversion, arguing these requirements impose an unreasonable burden on individual freedom. He urged courts and democratic institutions to examine the law’s framework, its possible misuse and the motivations behind such legislation.
Jamiat clarified that it does not oppose action against forced orfraudulent conversions. Madani said legislation aimed at protecting religious freedom should not itself restrict religious freedom or become a means of targeting any community.
The burden of proving voluntary conversion lies on the person facilitating it, and stricter punishment where minors, women, SCs, STs, etc. are involved.