Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026

The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has passed the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 to curb unlawful religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, inducement, or misrepresentation.

Key Highlights

The Bill provides stringent punishment for illegal conversions, especially mass conversions, with imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment and fines of ₹25 lakh or more.

Conversion of vulnerable groups such as women, minors, and SC/ST communities attracts stricter penalties (minimum long-term imprisonment).

The law targets conversions carried out through:

Force

Allurement

Fraud

Undue influence

Prior declaration and verification mechanism:

Individuals intending to convert must inform authorities

Local administration may verify the conversion process

Offences under the Bill are:

Cognisable and non-bailable

Tried in special courts

Objective of the Law

Prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions

Ensure transparency in religious conversion process

Maintain public order and social harmony

Additional Key Facts

Constitutional Provision

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, subject to reasonable restrictions.

Anti-Conversion Laws in India

Several states have similar laws, including:

Odisha (1967)

Madhya Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh

Gujarat

Common Features of Such Laws

Ban on conversion through coercion or inducement

Requirement of prior notice to district authorities

Enhanced punishment for mass conversions

Judicial Aspect

Anti-conversion laws are currently under judicial scrutiny in the Supreme Court regarding their constitutional validity.