New Conversion Law Sparks Fear Among Christians in Maharashtra, India

Some churches in and around India's financial capital, Mumbai, have implemented a new practice of asking worshippers to sign a declaration stating, "I came here to pray of my own free will." This measure comes in response to a new law in Maharashtra state that prohibits religious conversions brought about by force, fraud, coercion, or inducement. The forms, which have no official standing, require visitors to write their names, sometimes include an ID card number, and sign to confirm they were not compelled or enticed to attend.

The practice began in late August, shortly before the law took effect. The legislation also mandates that individuals wishing to convert voluntarily must notify authorities in advance. Violators face a prison sentence of up to seven years, with repeat offenses carrying a 10-year sentence. Maharashtra's government asserts that the law aims to protect vulnerable individuals from being coerced or deceived into changing their religion. However, critics argue that the law's broad definitions and severe penalties risk excessive state intervention in personal decisions.

While the law applies to all religions, the anxiety is most pronounced among minority communities, particularly Christians. This stems from a long-standing tension fueled by allegations from right-wing groups that conversions are often achieved through inducements, such as financial benefits, education, or healthcare. Devdan Tribhuvan, who provides legal aid to Christians in the Mumbai area, has observed increasing apprehension among worshippers who are concerned that simply gathering to pray could lead to accusations of conversion. He reports instances of strangers entering churches and questioning attendees about their names, reasons for being there, and whether they received any offers.

Recent investigations have documented multiple disruptions of Christian prayer meetings around Mumbai between April and July, leading to police cases against worshippers, prayer organizers, and members of the Hindu nationalist group Bajrang Dal. Tribhuvan questioned whether attending a prayer meeting itself constitutes conversion, highlighting the complex religious landscape of Mumbai, a city where diverse faiths coexist and people of various backgrounds visit religious sites of different denominations.

Maharashtra is one of over a dozen Indian states to enact restrictions on religious conversion, with similar laws facing challenges in the Supreme Court. Critics contend that these laws, often enacted in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, facilitate harassment of prayer meetings and interfaith couples. The definition of "allurement" under the Maharashtra law includes employment, free education at a religious institution, a promise of marriage, or a "better lifestyle," leading former Bombay High Court judge Abhay Thipsay to note the vagueness of the term and question why a conscious choice to convert for a benefit should be deemed wrong.

The law also permits relatives to file complaints about allegedly unlawful conversions, shifting the burden of proof to the accused to demonstrate the lawfulness of the conversion. This provision raises concerns for interfaith couples, who may already face family opposition. Lawyer Lara Jesani fears the new law provides a new avenue for targeting such couples, even when conversion is not intended by either partner.

Despite these concerns, the Maharashtra government maintains that the law does not infringe upon the right to change religion and is intended to curb forced conversions. However, the precautionary measures adopted by churches and the anxieties expressed by community members underscore the ongoing debate about the balance between religious freedom and state regulation in India.