Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 8 (HBTV): The Chhattisgarh Assembly passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai describing it as a significant step towards preserving the state’s cultural identity and maintaining social balance.
Extending greetings on the Hindu New Year and Chaitra Navratri, he prayed to Goddess Durga for prosperity, peace and well-being in the state.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Sai said incidents of religious conversions through inducement, pressure or misinformation targeting vulnerable sections had been affecting social harmony, and the new law would help curb such practices and restore balance and trust in society.
He stated that any process of religious conversion will now have to be lawful and transparent, requiring prior intimation to the authorised officer, followed by public notice and scrutiny within a fixed timeframe to ensure conversions take place without inducement or coercion.
The Chief Minister added that the earlier law was less effective in preventing such activities, but the new provisions include stricter penal measures, enabling stronger action against offenders.
He said unchecked conversions can lead to social imbalance and unrest, and the legislation aims to strengthen peace, harmony and the protection of cultural values in the state.
Paying tribute to late Dilip Singh Judeo, he said his awareness campaign against conversions continues to guide society and emphasised that lasting change will come through public awareness and participation.
Sai expressed confidence that the bill will enhance transparency, justice and social unity, and help establish Chhattisgarh as a strong and culturally rich state.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government also introduced the draft Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, in the state assembly earlier, with provisions for imprisonment. The bill aims to prevent religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion, allurement or marriage, as well as those obtained through misrepresentation or undue influence.
(ANI)