Maharashtra | Faith and fear at the altar
Churches in Mumbai begin to ask worshippers, old and new, to sign a consent form attesting to free choice
PAPER TRAIL: Consent forms distributed to churchgoers during a Sunday service, Virar
ISSUE DATE: Sep 14, 2026 | UPDATED: Sep 4, 2026 20:07 IST
With Maharashtra now the 13th state to enact an anti-conversion law, churches here have begun seeking consent forms from worshippers testifying that they are visiting the church voluntarily, sans any pressure or inducement. The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, penalises violations by individuals, organisations and institutions with up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 7 lakh. The law has sparked off fears about its misuse against minorities, and encroachment on rights like that to choice, privacy and equality.