The Chhattisgarh High Court has given the state government three weeks to respond to a petition challenging the constitutionality of its 2026 Freedom of Religion Act, amid continuing concerns over the treatment of Christians in the state.
The petition was heard on 8 October. It challenges provisions of the law that campaigners say place excessive restrictions on religious freedom, privacy and the right to choose one’s faith.
The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly passed the Chhattisgarh Dharma Swatantrya Act in March 2026, replacing legislation that had been in force since 1968. The Governor gave the new law formal approval in April.
The petition was filed by advocate Harshmander Rastogi and presented before the court by senior advocates Dr S. Muralidhar and Manoj Paranjpe. They argued that choosing or changing one’s religion is a personal matter and should not depend on government approval or public disclosure.
Under the challenged provisions, people wishing to change their religion must provide advance notice to the district magistrate and follow a series of administrative procedures. The petitioners argue that these requirements interfere with personal privacy and could expose individuals to pressure or threats before a voluntary conversion takes place.
They also contend that the law could be used to monitor people on the basis of their religious beliefs and violates constitutional protections, including freedom of conscience, personal liberty and the right to practise religion under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
The state government has defended the legislation as a measure to prevent religious conversions carried out through force, fraud or improper inducement. However, critics argue that its broad provisions and severe penalties could also affect people who choose to embrace Christianity voluntarily.
One major concern raised in the petition is the law’s definition of mass conversion, which includes the conversion of two or more people. The petitioners argue that this could place ordinary Christian practices, such as baptising several members of the same family, at risk of legal action.
The law also requires advance notification before a person changes their religion. Civil rights advocates say making such information public could leave people vulnerable to intimidation or hostility from others in their communities.
The petition further challenges provisions concerning arrests, bail and the burden of proof. According to the petitioners, these measures could make it difficult for pastors and believers accused of unlawful conversion to defend themselves. They argue that the law places an unfair burden on the accused to establish their innocence rather than requiring the authorities to prove the allegations.
The legal challenge comes amid reports of continuing pressure on Christian communities in several parts of Chhattisgarh, particularly in areas with large tribal populations.
Christian families in some districts have reported economic and social boycotts after refusing to give up their faith. Alleged restrictions include being denied access to shared village water sources, excluded from government welfare opportunities and prevented from collecting forest produce on which some families depend for their livelihoods.
Disputes over burial rights have also caused concern. Christian families have faced opposition from local groups when attempting to bury relatives in village burial grounds, according to reports from the state.
The court’s decision to seek a response from the government marks a further stage in the legal challenge. The petitioners maintain that the law must respect the constitutional rights of individuals to choose and practise their religion without unnecessary state interference.
The case could have important implications for Christians and other religious minorities in Chhattisgarh as the courts examine whether the law’s provisions are consistent with the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
Based on reporting by International Christian Concern.
