The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has become law after the Governor of Chhattisgarh, Ramen Deka, gave his assent. A senior officer of Lok Bhavan confirmed that the Governor signed the Bill, which had been passed by the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly during the budget session on March 19 at Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The Bill was passed by a voice vote in the absence of the main Opposition party, Indian National Congress. The new anti-conversion law consists of five chapters and 31 sections. The law introduces stringent provisions to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage. Under the new law individuals involved in unlawful conversions may face imprisonment ranging from 7 to 10 years, along with a fine of up to 5 lakh. Offences involving a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman, or a member of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes are punishable with 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of 10 lakh. Mass conversions can attract life imprisonment and a minimum fine of 25 lakh.

 

A public servant involved in unlawful conversion may face 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of 10 lakh. A repeat offender may be punished with life imprisonment. The law also provides for the establishment of a special court in every district to handle cases related to religious conversion. If a person wishes to convert voluntarily, they must notify the District Magistrate or the competent authority in advance, following the prescribed procedure. Details of the proposed conversion will be made public, and objections may be submitted within 30 days. The Act defines key terms such as inducement, coercion, mass conversion, and conversion through digital means. It also clarifies that reconversion to one’s ancestral religion will not be considered a conversion. Additionally, in cases where a person of one religion marries someone from another religion, the priest, cleric, or any person officiating the marriage must submit a declaration to the competent authority at least eight days before the wedding. The authority will assess whether the marriage is intended for conversion; if so, it may be declared invalid.