Legal Experts and Civil Rights Advocates to Convene in Mumbai to Discuss Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026

MUMBAI — With debates intensifying over legislative changes across the state, key legal experts, human rights activists, and civil society leaders are scheduled to gather today for a high-profile seminar addressing the controversial Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026.

The seminar, themed “Understanding the Law, Its Impact & Our Constitutional Rights,” aims to dissect the legalities of the proposed bill and foster dialogue around its broader implications for citizens. The event is being jointly organized by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) and United Against Injustice and Discrimination (UAID).

Addressing the Constitutional Impact

According to the organizers, the discussion will center on three core pillars:

• Constitutional Rights: Analyzing whether the Bill impacts the fundamental right to freedom of religion guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.

• Legal and Social Implications: Evaluating the legal scope of the legislation and how it might reshape social dynamics.

• Impact on Minorities and Civil Society: Addressing specific concerns regarding how the law might affect regular citizens, minority communities, and civil rights organizations.

Panel of Distinguished Speakers

The seminar features a prominent panel of legal minds and social advocates:

• Justice J. Abhay Thipsay (Retd. Judge, Bombay High Court)

• Adv. Lara Jesani (Advocate, Bombay High Court)

• Irfan Engineer (Director, CSSS)

• Dolphy D’souza (Convenor, Police Reforms Watch)

• Adv. Asim Sarode (Human Rights Legal Activist)

• Dr. Saleem Khan (Member of UAE – ITS)

In a joint statement, the organizers urged public participation, stating, “Let us come together to understand an important constitutional and national issue.”

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, 16th June 2026

• Time: 6:00 PM onwards (Followed by High Tea)

• Venue: Mayor Hall Andheri, Waterford Building 3037, CD Barfiwala Road, Zalawad Nagar, Juhu Lane, Andheri West, Mumbai.

For RSVPs and further inquiries, citizens can contact Shakir Shaikh (Secretary APCR) at +91 92700 68781, Shareef Syed (Coordinator UAID), or Ashraf Khan (Coordinator UAID).