New Delhi: In the aftermath of Maharashtra assembly passing a stringent anti-conversion law which has resulted in criticism from activists and members of the civil society, local pastors in Christian congregations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, are asking worshippers to fill a “self-declaration” form which states that they are attending the prayer meeting of their own choice, reported Indian Express on Tuesday (August 25).The Indian Express report, authored by Purnima Sah added that this “self-declaration” says the worshippers face “no pressure, inducement, temptation, lure, or threat of any kind”.It further states that their decision to attend church “is completely personal, voluntary, and independent.” The form also asks for a passport-size photograph and an Aadhaar or PAN number.The Maharashtra anti-conversion law that further toughens legal provisions against forced conversion comes into effect August 28.The newspaper found that over the past month these “self-declaration” forms are being circulated in English, Marathi and Hindi to congregations in Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, Palghar and Thane.The move comes amidst multiple disruptions at prayer meetings over the past five month. So far, there have been nine FIRs linked to five such disruptions between April and July, of which seven of the nine FIRs are against those who organised the prayers and worshippers while two are against Bajrang Dal members.“There was one local incident in the past few months related to the issue and necessary action was taken. We have not seen any recurring instances to call it a trend,” Niket Kaushik, Commissioner of the Mira Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Police, whose jurisdiction covers Vasai East, where five of the nine FIRs were registered, told the newspaper.The police said that they were not aware of any consent form.The organisers describe the move to making worshippers fill out the “self-declaration” form less as paperwork than as insurance.“Taking a consent form is a wise precaution…It establishes that people are attending voluntarily and that no one is forcing them to come. Given the current law and the manner in which certain groups, such as the Bajrang Dal, enter these spaces, people are taking precautions to safeguard themselves,” Fr. Nigel Barrett, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Bombay told the publication.On July 31, the Archdiocese of Bombay had issued a press note. It recorded deep concern at the President’s assent to the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.