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CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Maharashtra to Introduce Anti-Conversion Law | Unauthorized Churches to be Demolished in Tribal Areas

Hi everyone,

The Maharashtra government is moving forward with plans to introduce a stringent anti-conversion law aimed at curbing alleged forced or inducement-based religious conversions in tribal districts like Nandurbar and Dhule.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the decision in the state assembly, alongside a crackdown on nearly 200 unauthorized churches in tribal regions.

A special committee will be formed to identify and demolish illegal religious structures within six months.

What was announced (July 9–10, 2025):
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed the assembly that the state government is planning a stringent anti-conversion law aimed at stopping “forced” or inducement-based religious conversions in tribal regions, particularly Dhule and Nandurbar

Unauthorized church crackdown:
Citing reports of as many as 199 unauthorized churches in Navapur taluka alone, Bawankule announced the formation of a committee headed by the regional divisional commissioner. This panel will investigate these structures and demolish any found to be illegal within six months

Political context:
BJP MLAs, including Anup Agarwal and Atul Bhatkhalkar, argued that tribal (Bhil, Pawra) populations are being targeted with “allurement” (medical aid, education) and that benefits like ST status should be revoked upon conversion

Tribal welfare perspective:
Tribal Welfare Minister Sanjay Uike stated among the converted tribals, many would be motivated to return to their original faith by highlighting benefits tied to Scheduled Tribe status

Broader concerns:
BJP figures also raised issues like “love jihad” and questioned foreign funding support for religious conversions

What’s Next?
Drafting of the bill is underway, with consultations expected among BJP lawmakers, the chief minister (Devendra Fadnavis), various government departments, and Adivasi representatives.

The committee’s probe into unauthorized churches, especially in Nandurbar and Dhule, is already active with demolition orders due within the prescribed six-month period.

🔍 Analysis
Legal alignment: Maharashtra’s proposed law fits within existing state-level frameworks (e.g., Gujarat, MP, UP), which prohibit conversions done by force, fraud, or inducement.

Constitutional balance: While the Supreme Court upheld these laws as constitutional (Rev. Stanislaus case, 1977), critics argue they can infringe on religious freedom and that enforcement may disproportionately target minority communities

Potential impact: If passed, the law would require legal oversight of conversions and target conversions through incentives. The demolition campaign could provoke clashes if seen as infringing on minority rights or religious expression.

Summary
Maharashtra is set to become the next state with an explicit anti-conversion law, coupled with an aggressive removal of unauthorized churches in tribal belts. Legislative drafting and ground-level enforcement are in motion, and the coming months will reveal how this policy balances cultural preservation, religious liberties, and legal scrutiny.

MAHARASHTRA TO INTRODUCE ANTI-CONVERSION LAW UNAUTHORIZED CHURCHES TO BE DEMOLISHED IN TRIBAL AREAS | Christian News and Views!