Raipur, March 19 Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday described the passage of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 in the state assembly as a historic moment, and said it would put an end to religious conversions carried out through inducement, pressure, and deceit.
The proposed law is a decisive step towards protecting the faith, traditions, and cultural identity of the people of Chhattisgarh, he said.
The state assembly on Thursday passed The Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak 2026, aimed at preventing religious conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraud, or misrepresentation, with stringent provisions, including life imprisonment in cases of "mass conversion".
Speaking to reporters after the bill was passed, Sai said, "On this auspicious occasion of Navratri, may the blessings of Mata Rani forever remain upon Chhattisgarh. The new law will curb illegal and unethical conversion practices that exploit poverty, illiteracy, and lack of awareness."
He added that such activities had long disrupted social harmony and balance in the state.
According to the bill's provisions, individuals intending to convert, as well as those facilitating conversions, must provide prior notice to a designated authority. The application will be made public and reviewed within a month to ensure that no coercion, inducement, or fraud is involved, the chief minister noted.
The existing 1968 Act on conversion was weaker and allowed loopholes that led to misuse, while the proposed law is stricter and includes tougher penalties to prevent violations, Sai said.
The Congress boycotted the assembly proceedings after its demand to send the bill to a select committee for consultation was rejected.
Criticizing the opposition party, Sai said that important and sensitive issues like this require meaningful participation and constructive suggestions rather than absence from debate.
The chief minister also paid tribute to the late BJP leader Dilip Singh Judeo, recalling his efforts to raise awareness against religious conversions.
He also greeted the people on the occasion of the Hindu New Year and Chaitra Navratri, praying for peace, prosperity, and happiness.
The new bill will replace the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, which was adopted from a Madhya Pradesh Act after the formation of the state in 2000.