Questions remain about how state agencies will distinguish between voluntary and coerced religious conversions. The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, aims to prevent conversions by force, fraud, or undue influence, but gives the state significant power over matters of faith. This includes oversight of interfaith marriages and voluntary religious conversions.

The law came into effect after being passed by the state legislature in March. A case was registered in Pune last month, marking the first under the new law.

Further details about the implications of the law and its implementation are available, including concerns about protecting individual liberty and privacy.