The Chhattisgarh government has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, introducing stringent measures to curb religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, inducement, or misrepresentation. The legislation aims to regulate conversions while maintaining public order and preventing alleged coercive practices.
The bill was cleared during the ongoing Assembly session under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and is part of a broader push to tighten laws around religious conversions in the state.
Life imprisonment for mass conversions
One of the most significant provisions in the new law is the introduction of life imprisonment for mass conversions, making it one of the strictest anti-conversion laws in India.
For individual cases of illegal conversion, the bill proposes 7–10 years of imprisonment, while harsher penalties apply when conversions involve multiple people or vulnerable groups.
The move signals the government’s intent to take a tough stance against organised conversion activities.
Key provisions of the new law
The Freedom of Religion Bill includes several strict clauses:
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Prohibits conversions through force, coercion, fraud, or inducement
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Makes such offences serious and punishable with long jail terms
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Introduces stricter penalties for mass and organised conversions
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Aims to ensure conversions happen only through free will and consent
The bill also aligns with existing anti-conversion frameworks seen in other Indian states, where similar laws regulate religious conversions under constitutional limits.
Political reactions and criticism
The legislation has sparked a political debate. Supporters argue that the law is necessary to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in tribal regions, from exploitation and forced conversions.
However, opposition parties and civil society groups have raised concerns, calling the bill too stringent and potentially restrictive of personal freedom. Critics argue that such laws could be misused and may infringe on the constitutional right to freely practice and propagate religion.
Broader national context
Chhattisgarh’s move comes amid a growing trend of states strengthening anti-conversion laws across India. Several states have introduced stricter provisions, including heavy fines and long prison terms, to regulate religious conversions.
These laws are often justified as necessary to maintain social harmony, but they continue to face legal and constitutional scrutiny in courts.
The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 marks a significant shift toward stricter regulation of religious conversions, especially with its provision of life imprisonment for mass conversions. While the government presents it as a protective measure, the law is likely to remain at the centre of political and legal debates in the coming months.