Chhattisgarh Assembly Approves Stringent Anti-Conversion Legislation with Life Imprisonment Provisions
The Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha on Thursday passed a comprehensive anti-conversion bill that establishes rigorous new requirements for religious conversions, including mandatory public disclosure and verification by district authorities. The legislation introduces severe penalties ranging from life imprisonment for illegal mass conversions to minimum 10-year jail terms for unlawful conversion of vulnerable groups including minors, women, and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Legislative Passage and Opposition Walkout
The bill, officially titled the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak, 2026 (Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026), was introduced by Home Minister Vijay Sharma and passed by voice vote. The opposition walked out during proceedings, demanding that the legislation be referred to a select committee for further review, leaving the assembly without dissenting votes during the final passage.
Key Provisions and Conversion Process Requirements
The legislation seeks to prohibit religious conversions carried out through:
- Force, coercion, or undue influence
- Allurement or misrepresentation
- Fraudulent means including marriage
- Digital platforms such as social media and electronic communication
A central provision requires individuals intending to convert to submit a declaration to a "competent authority"—the district magistrate or an authorized officer not below the rank of additional district magistrate. Within seven days of receiving the application, authorities must publish conversion details on official websites and display notices at tehsildar offices, gram panchayats, and local police stations, including the applicant's name, present religion, and proposed religion.
Verification Process and Timeframes
The legislation empowers authorities to verify conversion authenticity, investigate complaints, and summon records. Objections can be filed within 30 days, after which an inquiry must be conducted and an order passed within stipulated periods. A conversion certificate would be issued after due process, though it would not serve as proof of identity or citizenship. Applications lapse if conversion is not carried out within 90 days of approval.
Special Provisions for Marriage and Reconversion
The bill clarifies that marriage alone does not constitute religious conversion, but conversion solely for marriage purposes or not following legal provisions will be deemed illegal. It mandates submission of a declaration 60 days prior to proposed marriage dates, which will be made public for examination of potential illegal conversion elements.
Reconversion to one's ancestral religion would not be treated as conversion under the law, and any certificates issued in such cases would be cancelled.
Responsibilities for Religious Facilitators and Organizations
Those facilitating conversions—including priests, clerics, or any person performing ceremonies—must submit declarations of intent to competent authorities. Individuals and organizations involved in conversions must file annual reports within 60 days of each financial year's end, detailing:
- Number of conversions carried out
- Personal details of converts
- Certified accounts of funds received from domestic and foreign sources
Penalties and Punishment Structure
All offences under the proposed law are classified as cognisable and non-bailable. "Mass conversion" is defined as conversion of two or more persons in a single event and attracts:
- Rigorous imprisonment of not less than 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment
- Fine of not less than Rs 25 lakh
If victims are minors, persons of unsound mind, women, or belong to Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, or Scheduled Tribes, punishments range from 10 to 20 years' imprisonment with minimum fines of Rs 10 lakh. The bill also provides for compensation up to Rs 10 lakh to victims and affected immediate family members.
Enforcement Mechanisms and Government Powers
The state government is empowered to withdraw or cancel financial assistance, grants, or infrastructure support extended to individuals or entities violating the law. The bill restricts acceptance of funds intended to facilitate unlawful conversions.
Cases would be investigated by police officers not below sub-inspector rank and tried in special courts, with sessions courts handling cases where special courts aren't designated. Trials must be completed within six months of chargesheet filing.
Replacement of Existing Legislation
Home Minister Vijay Sharma explained that the proposed law would replace the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, which currently governs such matters. The existing law only requires post-conversion intimation and treats forced conversion as a cognisable and bailable offence with relatively lighter punishment.
"Given the geographical, social, and economic conditions of Chhattisgarh, and the evolution of technology and communication, the existing law has become inadequate to effectively curb conversions through force, inducement, or fraudulent means," Sharma stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive legal framework.
Legal Definitions and Prohibited Activities
The bill defines "allurement" to include monetary benefits, gifts, employment, free education or medical treatment, promises of better lifestyle, or marriage. "Coercion" includes psychological pressure, physical force, threats, and social boycott.
It prohibits any direct or indirect attempt to promote or facilitate conversion through prohibited means, whether offline or online, and bars acts that endanger life or property or involve trafficking of minors or women for conversion purposes.
Until now, action on illegal conversion cases was taken under the 1968 Act, which Chhattisgarh adopted from Madhya Pradesh after its formation in 2000.
