“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
A newly introduced anti-conversion law in the Indian state of Maharashtra has caused growing anxiety among Christians in the state capital, Mumbai. In response, churches have begun asking worshippers to sign self-declaration forms stating that their choice to attend services is “completely personal, voluntary, and independent.” These forms were drafted by pastors, community leaders, and lawyers as a precautionary step.
The Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam (Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill) 2026, was passed by both houses of the Maharashtra state legislature in March, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, and officially came into effect on 28 August. The law is aimed at alleged religious conversions carried out through coercion, deception, inducement, or other banned methods. It also applies to conversions connected with marriage or promises of marriage.
Maharashtra now joins 12 other Indian states that have similar anti-conversion laws: Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Under the anti-conversion law, anyone wishing to change their religion must provide 60 days’ notice and secure approval from the government. The conversion must then be registered within 25 days or be null and rendered void.
Those found guilty of breaking the law may face prison sentences of up to seven years and fines of 100,000 rupees (approximately US$1,000). Repeat offenders could receive prison terms of up to ten years. The responsibility to prove innocence rests with the person accused of encouraging or inciting conversion, and complaints may be submitted by a relative or acquaintance of the alleged “victim”.
Shortly before the law came into force, at least 4,000 churches in Mumbai took the unusual step of asking attendees to sign declarations confirming that they were participating in services voluntarily and without any inducement. The self-declaration states that the individual is attending the prayer meeting by their own “choice” and is under “no pressure, inducement, temptation, lure, or threat of any kind.”
The form asks for the attendee’s full name, photograph, residential address, contact phone number, and a verifiable number from a government-issued identity document. It must be signed by the attendee and countersigned by witnesses. For some converts, the forms are seen as a safeguard against possible harassment over their faith. Believers have circulated the form through social media and photocopies. Some churches have also installed CCTV cameras to identify individuals and preserve evidence if any incident occurs.
Pastor Devdan Tribhuvan, president of the Maharashtra Christian Development Association, said the forms were introduced because of concerns after incidents at prayer meetings involving the Hindu extremist group Bajrang Dal. “In the past, there have been incidents where Bajrang Dal members have forced their way into prayer meetings, assaulted worshippers and pastors, and vandalised church instruments. We did not receive police support when these disputes occurred,” he said.
Since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra state elections in November 2024, attacks on Christians have increased. Between April and July this year, police recorded nine such attacks. Church leaders believe the true figure may be significantly higher, as many incidents are not reported.
Group prayer
Father, we bring the people of Maharashtra to you today as they navigate the changes in the state. We pray for your people as they battle fear, depression and worry about the false accusations and police interference. We also pray for protection against the self-appointed religious groups who are disrupting meetings, intimidating worshippers and conducting parallel investigations. Strengthen your Church and open doors for the gospel, as the new law takes effect. We pray that believers in Maharashtra would remain faithful and courageous as they share the hope of Jesus Christ. Give them boldness to be salt and light in their places of work, community and villages and stand firm in their witness and pursue the truth. Amen.