The Supreme Court of India has refused to intervene in a case concerning village councils in Chhattisgarh that have barred Christian missionaries and Christian converts from entering certain tribal villages. The decision has raised fresh concerns among Christian leaders about religious freedom in parts of the country.
On 16 February, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with an earlier ruling by the Chhattisgarh High Court delivered in October 2025. The High Court had advised the petitioner to seek remedy under the state’s Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Rules, commonly known as the PESA Rules, which govern self-administration in tribal regions.
The case began after signboards were put up in several villages in Kanker district in July 2025. The boards stated that Christian missionaries, including pastors, as well as individuals who had converted to Christianity, were not permitted to enter the villages. Local village councils, which are legally recognised governing bodies in tribal areas, said the move was intended to prevent alleged religious conversions.
Digbal Tandi, a Protestant Christian from the region, challenged the restrictions before the High Court. He argued that the measures violated constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom of movement, and he asked the court to cancel the village orders. The High Court dismissed his petition, stating that the restrictions were imposed as a precaution to protect tribal interests and preserve local cultural heritage. Tandi then appealed to the Supreme Court.
Lawyer Colin Gonsalves, representing Tandi, argued that the High Court had made unfavourable observations about missionary activity without sufficient evidence. However, the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal and advised the petitioner to approach the relevant village councils or statutory authorities under the PESA framework.
Christian leaders have expressed disappointment over the ruling. Pastor Joy Mathew, who provides legal assistance to Christians in northern India, said that freedom of movement is a fundamental right and should not be restricted without clear legal grounds. Tandi also said that further legal steps are being considered, stating that courts have a duty to protect the fundamental rights of all citizens.
According to Tandi, the restrictions have spread beyond the original villages. He claims that at least 19 villages in Chhattisgarh have now displayed boards limiting the entry of Christians. Similar reports have also emerged from parts of Odisha and Jharkhand.
A.C. Michael, a former member of the Delhi State Minorities Commission, said courts should require state authorities to present clear evidence before supporting such restrictions. He stated that if there are proven cases of forced conversion, the evidence should be made public. He also noted that although allegations of forced conversion are often raised, no court in India has convicted anyone solely on such claims in similar circumstances. He further pointed out that in September 2022 the Supreme Court asked the federal government and eight states to provide data on alleged cases of forced religious conversions, but no comprehensive list has yet been produced.
The case highlights continuing debate in the country over religious freedom, tribal rights and the protection of constitutional guarantees.
Original reporting by UCA News, rewritten for this publication.
