The Chhattisgarh High Court has issued notices to the state government and local authorities in two separate Public Interest Litigations challenging the installation of notice boards that restrict the entry of Christian pastors and converts into villages across the state.
A petition filed by local politician Narendra Bhawani was heard on September 17, while a petition filed by one Digbal Tandi was heard on September 18. Both cases were presided over by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Dutta Guru, who directed all respondents to file detailed replies within two weeks. The next hearing for both cases is scheduled for October 13, 2025.
Tandi’s petition, WPPIL 83/2025, was filed against the State of Chhattisgarh and 15 others. Tandi’s case, represented by advocates Kishore Narayan, Ashish Beck, Gagan Pandey, Pritam Singh and Amarnath Pandey, specifically addresses eight villages in Kanker district where Gram Sabhas have installed prohibitory boards at village entry points.
The petition alleges that members of the Christian community are being prevented from entering their own villages, being assaulted, and having their homes demolished. The Progressive Christian Alliance, in a statement issued by Bhupendra Khora, said the case addresses “serious concerns about the persecution of the Christian community in several villages across the state.”
Bhawani’s petition, WPPIL 86/2025, was filed against the State of Chhattisgarh and 11 others. Bhawani’s case is represented by Dr. Arpit Lal, Harish Lal and Ayush Lal.
According to local media reports, Bhawani had previously filed detailed written complaints with the Kanker District Collector, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bhanupratapur, Tehsildar Bhanupratapur, and Antagarh Tehsildar before approaching the court.
Tandi’s petition alleges that the village-level restrictions violate Articles 14, 19(1)(d), 21, and 25 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before law, freedom of movement, right to life and personal liberty, and freedom of religion respectively.
The notice boards installed by Gram Sabhas specifically prohibit the entry of Christian priests and converted individuals into villages. The petitions document cases where Christian residents have been prevented from accessing their own homes, with some facing physical violence when attempting to visit relatives or friends.
Additional Advocate General Y.S. Thakur accepted notice on behalf of the state government during the proceedings. The court directed that notices be sent to remaining respondents through registered and ordinary post.
The cases could establish important precedents regarding the limits of local governance authority in restricting constitutional rights, particularly those of religious minorities.
The Progressive Christian Alliance, in a statement issued by Bhupendra Khora, described the legal challenge as “an important step towards protecting justice, equality, and constitutional rights for the Christian community in Chhattisgarh.” The statement was issued “in the public interest” and “for the justice and rights of the community,” seeking community prayers for the case.
Both cases will come up for hearing together on October 13, when the court will examine the state government’s response and determine the next course of action in addressing the alleged constitutional violations.
