Church in Maharashtra Voices Alarm Over Proposed Anti-Conversion Law

Mumbai, July 11, 2025: The Catholic Church in Maharashtra has strongly opposed the state government’s proposed anti-conversion law, warning that it poses a serious threat to religious freedom and constitutional rights. In a statement issued by the Archdiocese of Bombay on July 11, Church leaders expressed deep concern that the legislation could criminalise voluntary religious conversions and unfairly target minority communities, particularly Christians who serve marginalised populations across the state.

Maharashtra State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule had announced the proposed law on July 9 in the state legislature, stating that it aims to curb alleged religious conversions, particularly among tribal and economically vulnerable communities. The proposed legislation, if passed, could make Maharashtra the 13th Indian state to implement such a law.

Addressing lawmakers, Bawankule had said, “A strict law to prevent religious conversions will be enacted in the state,” adding that he would consult Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the matter. The move follows allegations by BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar that Christian missionaries are offering inducements to convert tribal and poor individuals. Padalkar had also called for the demolition of over 150 “unauthorised churches” allegedly built on village and government land.

Bawankule had stated that he has ordered a probe into these allegedly unauthorised churches built in the tribal Dhule-Nandurbar region. He added that the concerned authorities will demolish such structures within six months if they are found to be illegal.

In response, the Archdiocese of Bombay issued a formal press statement on July 11 expressing deep concern over the proposed law. While recognising the state’s duty to maintain order, the Archdiocese warned that criminalising voluntary religious conversions would violate Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. It emphasised that the Catholic Church opposes forced conversions and continues to operate within legal boundaries while serving marginalised communities through education, healthcare, and welfare initiatives.

Fr. Nigel Barrett, Spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bombay, told Catholic Connect that the Church’s primary response to the proposed legislation is to appeal to lawmakers through constructive dialogue. 

“We urge the Maharashtra State Assembly to carefully consider the sentiments and fundamental rights of the Christian community and the broader implications for interfaith harmony,” he said. He added that while the Church prefers a peaceful and legislative resolution, it does not rule out legal recourse if the law threatens constitutional freedoms.

“If the proposed anti-conversion law is passed in its current form, and we are left with no other alternative, the Archdiocese may seek redress through the courts,” Fr. Barrett noted, calling such a step a “last resort”.

Mr. A.C. Michael of the United Christian Forum stated that the BJP, which rules Maharashtra state, is indulging in “vote bank politics” and pushing a Hindutva agenda through the proposed law. 

“There is not a single conviction of forceful conversion in any court in India to date,” he said.

Christians constitute just 0.96 percent of Maharashtra’s 126.5 million population and 2.3 percent of India’s total population of 1.4 billion. Christian leaders have warned that laws targeting such a small minority risk fostering discrimination and undermining India’s secular and pluralistic ethos.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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