Mumbai: The Maharashtra chapter of Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), in collaboration with United Against Injustice and Discrimination (UAID), organised a public seminar in Mumbai to discuss the proposed Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, with speakers expressing concerns over its potential impact on constitutional freedoms, civil liberties, and social harmony.
The seminar, held on June 16 at Mayor Hall in Andheri West, attracted more than 250 participants, including legal professionals, academics, civil society representatives, and concerned citizens from diverse backgrounds.
Former Bombay High Court judge Justice Abhay Thipsay, who presided over the programme, said the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freely profess, practise, and propagate religion. While noting that the proposed legislation is presented as a measure to protect religious freedom, he argued that several provisions appear restrictive and could adversely affect constitutionally protected rights.
Justice Thipsay cautioned that laws drafted with vague or ambiguous language often generate uncertainty and fear rather than protection. Such ambiguity, he said, could weaken social cohesion and undermine the values of mutual respect and pluralism that form the foundation of Indian democracy.
Providing a legal analysis of the Bill, Advocate Lara Jesani raised concerns about the broad interpretation of terms such as ‘allurement’. She warned that educational, charitable, social welfare, and community-service activities, particularly those undertaken by minority institutions, could become vulnerable to misuse under the proposed legal framework.
Jesani also pointed to provisions prescribing penalties of up to ten years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₹5 lakh in cases involving alleged conversion through marriage or inducement. She further expressed concern over clauses allowing third parties or police authorities to file complaints and provisions that place the burden of proof on the accused, arguing that such measures raise important questions regarding due process and legal safeguards.
Speaking at the event, Dolphy D’Souza of Police Reforms Watch criticised the manner in which the draft legislation was prepared, alleging that it lacked meaningful public consultation. He urged citizens across communities to engage with the proposed law and defend constitutional values.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saleem Khan said matters of faith and belief are deeply personal and cannot be effectively regulated through coercive legal measures. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding democratic rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
Earlier, Shakir Shaikh welcomed participants and highlighted the need for greater public engagement on issues affecting civil rights and constitutional protections. He said the proposed legislation should be carefully examined in light of its potential impact on vulnerable communities and fundamental freedoms.
Scholar and social activist Irfan Engineer argued that the implications of the proposed law extend beyond any single religious community and could affect broader constitutional principles, including secularism, equality, and social justice.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Syed Sharif Yunus, who thanked the speakers, organisers, and participants for contributing to what he described as a meaningful discussion on an issue of public importance.
In a statement, APCR reiterated its commitment to safeguarding constitutional rights, promoting democratic values, and encouraging informed public dialogue on legislative measures affecting civil liberties and social justice.
