State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 24 Mar 2026

Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026

Why in News?

The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly recently passed the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak (Freedom of Religion Bill), 2026, introducing stricter provisions against unlawful religious conversions, including life imprisonment for mass conversions.

Key Points 

• Purpose: The legislation aims to prevent religious conversions through force, fraud, coercion, or inducement, while regulating voluntary conversions. 
• The new bill replaces the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968.
• Punishment: The law prescribes 10 years to life imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹25 lakh for conducting “mass conversions,”.
  • If the victim is a minor, woman, person of unsound mind, or from OBC/SC/ST communities, punishment ranges from 10–20 years imprisonment with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.
  • Compensation of up to ₹10 lakh may be provided to victims of illegal conversion.
• Declaration: Individuals intending to change religion must submit a declaration to the competent authority [District Magistrate or an officer (not below Additional District Magistrate rank) authorised by them], after which authorities may conduct verification and allow objections. 
• Marriage-Related Provision: Religious conversion solely for the purpose of marriage is treated as invalid unless proper legal procedures and declarations are followed.
• Nature of Offences: Offences under the law are cognisable and non-bailable, allowing authorities to take immediate legal action in suspected illegal conversion cases.
• Investigation & Trial: Cases may be investigated by a police officer (e.g., sub‑inspector rank) and tried in a special court, or if none is designated, in a sessions court. Trials are to be completed within six months of filing the chargesheet.
• Additional Key Provisions: 
  • Mass Conversion: The bill defines mass conversion as the conversion of two or more persons in a single event.
  • Digital Platforms Included: The Bill prohibits religious conversions carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, misrepresentation, fraudulent means, or marriage, including through digital platforms such as social media and electronic communication.
  • Reconversion to Ancestral Religion: Reconversion to one’s ancestral religion is not treated as a conversion under the bill, exempting it from the declaration requirement.
  • Public Display of Conversion Details: Authorities are required to maintain and publicly display on official platforms (such as government websites or notice boards) the details of people who intend to convert, allowing public scrutiny and objections.
  • Allurement & Coercion: The Bill broadens the definition of allurements to include monetary benefits, gifts, employment, free education or medical facilities, promises of better lifestyle, or marriage. 
    • “Coercion”, according to the Bill, includes psychological pressure, physical force, or threats, including social boycott.

Read More: Religious Conversion