Chhattisgarh Assembly Passes Stringent Anti-Conversion Bill

The Chhattisgarh assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introducing strict measures against religious conversions through coercion or fraud, including life imprisonment for 'mass conversions'. The bill replaces the 1968 act, aiming to tackle contemporary challenges while ensuring voluntary conversion rights are preserved.

Chhattisgarh's legislative body has enacted the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, a law designed to combat forced or fraudulent religious conversions with severe repercussions, including potential life terms for large-scale conversions.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma detailed the bill, which succeeded after a tense five-hour debate and despite opposition protests. The bill supersedes the 1968 law inherited from Madhya Pradesh, seeking to reflect the state's present-day social and economic circumstances.

While ensuring voluntary conversions remain unaffected, the legislation's main focus lies in preventing conversions induced by misrepresentation, coercion, and undue influence, including digitally orchestrated conversions. Harsh penalties are in place for violations, and procedures for legal conversions are clearly outlined.

(With inputs from agencies.)