Civil rights activists in Maharashtra have alleged that Maharashtra’s proposed anti-conversion bill will bolster “vigilante activism that targets women and minorities in the State.” The bill was recently cleared by Maharashtra cabinet, but has not yet been tabled in the Legislature. A draft of the bill is not yet publicly available. Teesta Setalvad, a civil rights activist, demanded that the draft “Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026” be made public and that public consultation be initiated.
Questioning the lack of transparency in sharing the draft with the society, she accused the government of whipping up public sentiments on the basis of 'false narrative’.
“The laws need to be made after consultation with all stakeholders, which includes primarily women as the autonomy of women is in question and all minorities, including Dalits and Adivasis,” said Teesta Setalvad, also founder of Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), while speaking during a press meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday (March 11, 2026). Over 30 civil society organisations opposed the Maharashtra Cabinet’s decision to approve the draft Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026.
Maharashtra cabinet clears draft anti-conversion bill; 60-day notice, registration proposed
