On Thursday, the government introduced the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak, 2026 (Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026) in the Assembly. The bill targets religious conversions done via force, inducement, fraud, or misrepresentation, proposing harsh punishments like life imprisonment for “mass conversions.” It replaces the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Adhiniyam, 1968, and was tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma. The new Bill, intended to replace the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Adhiniyam of 2003—originally adopted from Madhya Pradesh when the state was formed in 2000—was tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who oversees the Home portfolio. The government stated that the current law, which mainly requires notification to the district magistrate after conversions, is now insufficient due to evolving socio-economic conditions and progress in technology and communications. The proposed Bill seeks to ban conversions achieved via force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, misrepresentation, fraud, or marriage, including those facilitated through digital channels like social media and electronic messaging. It also prohibits any person from directly or indirectly promoting or conspiring to convert another individual using such unlawful methods. “Allurement” is defined to encompass monetary incentives, gifts, jobs, free education or medical services, promises of an improved lifestyle, or marriage, whereas “coercion” includes psychological pressure, physical force, threats, and even social ostracism. “Mass conversion” refers to the conversion of two or more individuals during a single incident. All violations under the proposed legislation will be cognisable and non-bailable. However, returning to one’s ancestral religion will not be considered conversion. The Bill imposes strict penal provisions. Violations in general may result in imprisonment of at least seven years, which can extend up to 10 years, plus a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh. For offenses against minors, women, individuals with mental disabilities, or members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes, the punishment can include 10 to 20 years in prison along with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh. Mass conversions could result in at least 10 years’ imprisonment, which may extend to life, accompanied by fines of ₹25 lakh or higher; repeat offenders may receive life imprisonment. Public servants convicted of the offense may face imprisonment of 10 to 20 years along with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh. The Bill further offers compensation of up to ₹10 lakh to victims of unlawful conversions, besides other penalties. As per the proposed legislation, those seeking conversion must file a declaration with the relevant authority, and religious functionaries performing the conversion must give prior notice.
