MMR Churches Introduce Self-Declaration Forms Under New Conversion Law
Churches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including localities in Vasai, Bhandup, Palghar, Nalasopara, and Bhayander, have begun asking worshippers to fill out self-declaration forms confirming they are attending prayers voluntarily and without pressure.
The decision comes in the wake of the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, coming into force following Presidential assent and its official gazette notification on July 30. Church leaders stated that the filled declaration forms are being collected for self-safety and will be stored in church offices to be presented to government or police authorities if requested.
Pastor Sam Mathai from Vasai in Palghar district stated on Tuesday that the collection of forms from worshippers has been underway for the past two to three months. Mathai reported that in the last six months, there have been 11 attacks on churches across the MMR area, particularly in satellite towns adjoining Mumbai, including Vasai-Virar, Palghar, Nalasopara, and Bhayander.
Mathai noted that there are over 4,000 churches in the MMR. Some churches are collecting forms specifically from worshippers who were not born into the Christian faith, while others are requesting regular worshippers to complete the documents as well.
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, allows for legal action against religious conversions conducted through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage. Under the provisions of the law, an individual intending to convert to another faith must notify the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance. Violations of these procedures carry penalties of up to seven years of imprisonment.
Pastor Devdan Tribhuvan, president of the Christian Development Association based in Bhandup, Mumbai, stated that churches maintain records of regular congregants. He noted that worshippers attending Sunday prayers have grown anxious due to repeated disruptions and inquiries by external groups over the past two years.
Bombay Catholic Sabha spokesperson Dolphy D'Souza said the Christian community is distressed by the developments following the passage of the Act. He stated that prayer services have faced disruptions over false accusations of forced conversions, and the consent forms are designed to protect both the church and innocent attendees from violence while ensuring compliance with legal standards.
