New Law Sparks Concerns Among Christians in Chhattisgarh
A new law in Chhattisgarh, India, has raised alarms for Christian communities and human rights advocates. They fear that the law, designed to prevent forced religious conversions, may intrude on personal faith and daily religious practices.
The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act 2026, recently signed by Governor Ramen Deka, requires individuals wishing to convert to notify local authorities beforehand. It also asks officials to investigate whether any coercion or incentives are involved in the conversion, raising concerns due to the vague definitions of these terms.
Critics, including lawyers, argue that this law places the burden on individuals to explain their faith decisions. They worry about its compatibility with Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the right to practice religion freely.
“This makes a personal choice feel like a bureaucratic process,” said Advocate Anil Thomas, a lawyer in Raipur who has researched similar laws. He added that the requirement for prior notice could expose individuals to scrutiny and harassment.
Many Christians across Chhattisgarh report a growing unease. In a village near Raipur, 42-year-old Joseph Kujur shared how prayer meetings have become more challenging. “Now we gather quietly,” he explained. “Before, we prayed openly with neighbors. Now there’s the fear of being accused of influencing others.”
Mary D’Souza, who runs a charity, echoed these concerns. She noted that routine acts of kindness, such as distributing food and helping children, now attract suspicion. “People ask why we’re helping and what our intentions are,” she said.
Similar laws have been enacted in other states under the Bharatiya Janata Party’s governance in recent years. Supporters argue these laws are essential to prevent forced conversions, while critics emphasize their adverse effects on minority groups.
Christian ministers have reported a chilling impact on their activities. “Faith should be about choice and conviction,” said Pastor Daniel Minz from Bilaspur. “When the government begins to monitor those choices, it breeds fear rather than faith.”
Rights organizations point to selective enforcement and increased scrutiny of faith-based institutions, arguing that this legal framework, coupled with social pressures, limits religious expression.
The situation in Chhattisgarh highlights a broader global debate about how governments balance concerns over coercion with the need to protect individual freedoms. For many individuals in the state, the issue feels both urgent and personal. “We’re not asking for anything special,” said Joseph Kujur. “Just the freedom to believe, without fear.”
