Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Conversion Law Challenged In HC, Court Seeks Reply From State Within 3 Weeks
A petition filed in the high court has contested the law, providing stringent criminal and penal provisions, arguing that it violates constitutional rights to freedom of conscience, religious freedom, privacy and personal liberty.
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026 has been challenged in the Bilaspur high court in the state, questioning its constitutional propriety.
A petition filed in the high court has contested the law, providing stringent criminal and penal provisions, arguing that it violates constitutional rights to freedom of conscience, religious freedom, privacy and personal liberty.
Placing their arguments before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Krushna Ram Mohapatra and Justice Santosh Sharma, virtually, senior advocates Dr. S Myuralidhar and Manoj Paranjpe contended that the law, passed in the Chhattisgarh Assembly in March this year, requires even voluntary conversions to make public disclosures and obtain multiple government clearances, making the process very complex.
This apart, a person’s faith should not depend on the state approval or prior notification as provided in the law, the petitioners said.
The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026 has made it mandatory for the priests / pastors conducting or facilitating conversions to register with the state.
The petitioners also challenged the criminal provisions of the law providing for at least seven years’ imprisonment, extendable to life, and fines up to Rs. 10 lakhs, alleging that the law has been misused to arbitrarily close religious places, worship and practice their faith peacefully.
The petitioners have sought an interim stay on key provisions of the law, such as requiring public notice and inviting objections to proposed conversions.
The court has directed the state government to file its response within three weeks.