In Mumbai, churches are adopting precautionary measures ahead of the implementation of Maharashtra’s new anti-conversion law, which takes effect on August 28. Approximately 4,000 churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area are requiring attendees to sign declarations confirming they are participating voluntarily and are not coerced to convert to Christianity. The measures also include installing CCTV cameras to document any potential disruptions.
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026, passed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in July, criminalizes forced religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or inducements. It mandates that individuals seeking to convert must notify authorities 60 days in advance. Violations can result in prison sentences of up to seven years for both converts and religious facilitators. With Maharashtra's enactment, 13 of India’s 28 states now have similar anti-conversion laws in place.
Representatives of Mumbai’s Christian community express concern that the law will fuel vigilante actions and legal harassment, as there have already been a dozen prayer disruptions in recent months by Hindu right-wing groups alleging forced conversions. Dohly D’souza, spokesperson for the Bombay Catholic Society, described the consent forms and surveillance as minimal safety measures designed to offer some protection amid growing distrust of local authorities.
Opponents of the law argue it infringes on constitutionally guaranteed rights to freely practice and propagate religion. Civil society groups, including Christian organizations, have called for the withdrawal of the legislation, stating such laws are often used as a political tool against minorities. They contend that existing criminal laws already address fraudulent conversions and that the new regulations unfairly target lawful religious activities, including charitable work and education.
Similar laws have impacted Christian communities in other states, such as Uttar Pradesh, where pastors and worshippers face arrests and ongoing legal cases under comparable statutes. A lawyer familiar with anti-conversion cases in Uttar Pradesh noted that the distinction between persuasion and coercion is often blurred by authorities and affiliated vigilante groups. Some pastors have reported raids on prayer meetings and assaults, followed by delays in police responding or providing protection.
Beyond anti-conversion legislation, Christian non-profits have also come under scrutiny due to proposed amendments to India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The draft amendments, introduced in March 2026, would allow government authorities to take control of or dispose of assets funded through foreign donations if a non-profit’s permit is suspended or not renewed. Christian organizations are particularly concerned, given their extensive involvement in running schools, hospitals, and orphanages reliant on foreign funding.
The Indian government maintains the amendments are religion-neutral and aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that the intent is not to harass any religious community. Nonetheless, critics argue that these measures risk excessive government intervention and could destabilize valuable social services provided by faith-based groups.
The proposed FCRA changes have drawn criticism from U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Riley Moore and Senator James Risch, who described them as threatening India’s religious minorities. In response, the Bill was referred to a joint parliamentary committee for further review in mid-August.
Human rights activists fear the legislation and regulations reflect a broader pattern under the Modi administration of heightened restrictions on religious minorities. While some hope revisions to the FCRA Bill might soften its more stringent provisions, skepticism remains about any significant shifts given the prevailing political climate.
As Maharashtra’s anti-conversion law takes effect, church communities remain vigilant, balancing religious practice with protective strategies amid rising tensions and legal challenges across India.