Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 passed to curb illegal conversions, strengthen social harmony: Chhattisgarh CM Sai
Raipur, March 20
The Chhattisgarh Assembly on Friday passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, described by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai as a significant milestone for preserving the state's cultural identity and social balance, the release said.
Extending greetings on the Hindu New Year and Chaitra Navratri, he prayed to Goddess Durga for prosperity, peace, and well-being in the state.
According to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Sai said incidents of religious conversions through inducement, pressure, or misinformation targeting vulnerable sections had been affecting social harmony, and the new law would effectively curb such practices and restore balance and trust in society.
The Chief Minister stated that any process of religious conversion will now have to be lawful and transparent, requiring prior intimation to the authorised officer, followed by public notice and scrutiny within a fixed timeframe, ensuring conversions take place without inducement or coercion.
He added that the earlier law was less effective in preventing such activities, but the new provisions include stricter penal measures, enabling strong action against offenders.
CM Sai said unchecked conversions can lead to social imbalance and unrest, and this legislation will strengthen peace, harmony, and the protection of cultural values in the state.
Paying tribute to late Dilip Singh Judeo, he said his awareness campaign against conversions continues to guide society. He emphasised that lasting positive change in this direction will come through public awareness and participation.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the bill will enhance transparency, justice, and social unity, and help establish Chhattisgarh as a strong, balanced, and culturally rich state.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government also introduced the draft of the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, in the Maharashtra assembly earlier, with a provision of imprisonment.
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill aims to prevent religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion, allurement, or marriage and to stop religious conversions obtained by misrepresentation, undue influence, or inducement.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the intent to prevent forced conversions is good, I worry about implementation. Will this be used to harass interfaith couples or genuine converts? The law must not become a tool for vigilantes. We need clarity.
Finally! Our cultural fabric was being torn apart by foreign-funded missionaries targeting poor Adivasis with money and false promises. This bill will safeguard our indigenous traditions and ensure social harmony. Jai Chhattisgarh!
As someone who values religious freedom, I find this concerning. The right to convert is a fundamental right under Article 25. Adding bureaucratic hurdles might discourage people from exercising this right freely. The focus should be on education, not control.
Good move by CM Sai. In our village, we've seen people lured with medical help and school admissions. This creates tension. If conversion is genuine and from the heart, there should be no problem following a transparent process.
Hope Maharashtra follows through as well. Social harmony is paramount. But the government must also address the root causes - poverty and lack of education - that make people susceptible to allurement in the first place.
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