Christians protest BJP-backed anti-conversion law in India
More than 500 Christians marched in Pune against BJP-backed law legal experts fear could criminalize legitimate religious activity and facilitate harassment of minorities
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Anger is growing among Christians and other minority groups in India’s western Maharashtra state over a controversial anti-conversion law passed by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, with analysts warning that its sweeping provisions could be used to target legitimate religious activity and individual decisions to change faith.
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026 prohibits conversion through force, fraud, coercion or allurement, but defines some of those offenses broadly. Among activities that can constitute prohibited allurement are offers of free education, employment, promises of a better lifestyle and “divine healing,” while portraying one religion as superior to another can also fall within the law’s provisions.
Christian leaders have emerged among the law’s strongest opponents, arguing that such provisions risk blurring the distinction between coercive conversion and ordinary expressions of faith, including preaching and charitable work.
Catholic bishops in western India have also raised concerns that the legislation could undermine constitutionally protected freedom of conscience and religion.
That opposition spilled onto the streets of Pune this week, where more than 500 Christians representing different churches joined a peaceful march organized by the Pune Christian Forum to demand safeguards against what they fear will be misuse of the legislation.
Protesters called for a constitutional and legal review of the law and clearer protections distinguishing religious gatherings and activities from attempts to forcibly convert people. They also demanded measures against what they described as false conversion accusations and the selective targeting of religious minorities.
Pastor Rajesh Kelkar, president of the Pune Christian Forum, described the demonstration as the first organized protest in Maharashtra specifically against the new law and said the group hoped similar demonstrations would spread across the state.
The concerns are particularly significant because allegations of religious conversion have repeatedly triggered confrontations involving Christians in India, including disruptions of prayer meetings and attacks on pastors and worshippers by Hindu extremist groups.
Controversy over Maharashtra’s legislation has already extended to its enforcement. Police in Pune recently invoked the new law in two cases, including against a British national of Indian origin accused of attempting to induce people to embrace Christianity.
Officers later withdrew charges under the legislation after determining that it had not yet formally come into force.
The episode reinforced fears among critics that even accusations of conversion could expose Christians to police action regardless of whether coercion is ultimately established.
The Pune Christian Forum submitted its demands to senior civil and police authorities, calling on the state to prevent false complaints and ensure that minority communities are not selectively targeted.
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