News Tco News Reporter Mr.Anok Chhattisgarh
Raipur, March 27, 2026 – Christian communities across Chhattisgarh are mobilising for a series of mega rallies on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in protest against the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 (also known as the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak 2026), which the state Assembly passed on March 19, 2026.
The rallies, organised by the National Christian Front, Bharat Mukti Morcha, and Adivasi Ekta Parishad, will proceed from railway stations or designated gathering points to the Collectorate offices in all districts of the state, starting from 12:00 PM onwards. Organisers have described the protests as peaceful and have appealed to “every church and every family” to participate in large numbers to demonstrate unity.
# Key Leaders and Appeal
The call for the rally has been endorsed by senior Christian leaders, including:
Bishop Vijay Thobiknown for his work with tribal Christian communities in the region)
Rev. Harun Das
Rev. Ayyub Charan
Rev. Suresh Randhari
In their joint statement, they urged all Christian brothers and sisters to “unite and stand together for truth and justice,” emphasising prayerful participation and peaceful conduct. Detailed assembly points for each district are expected to be shared locally in advance.
# What the Bill Contains
The legislation, tabled by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, replaces the older Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968 (inherited from undivided Madhya Pradesh). It aims to curb religious conversions carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, misrepresentation, fraud, or marriage including via digital means such as social media.
Major Provisions (as reported across multiple sources
General illegal conversion: Rigorous imprisonment of 7–10 years + minimum fine of ₹5 lakh.
Conversion of minors, women, persons of unsound mind, or members of SC/ST/OBC communities: 10–20 years imprisonment + minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.
Mass conversion (defined as conversion of two or more persons in a single event): Not less than 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment (remainder of natural life) + minimum fine of ₹25 lakh.
Repeat offenders: May face life imprisonment.
All offences are cognisable and non-bailable.
Individuals intending to convert must submit a prior declaration to the District Magistrate or authorised officer. Authorities may verify and invite public objections; details may be publicly displayed.
Victims of alleged illegal conversion may receive compensation up to ₹10 lakh.
The government has argued that the law protects vulnerable sections, especially tribal and backward communities, from inducement or coercion and promotes social harmony. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has described it as a measure to strengthen secular values by preventing misuse in the name of religion.
# Opposition and Concerns from Christian Groups
Christian organisers and several Opposition voices (including Congress MLAs who boycotted the Assembly proceedings) have raised strong objections. Critics argue that:
The provisions are overly broad and vague (terms like “allurement” or “undue influence” can be interpreted subjectively).
The law may criminalise genuine voluntary conversions or charitable work by churches that includes social service.
Harsh penalties and non-bailable status could lead to misuse against pastors, missionaries, and ordinary believers, especially in tribal-dominated areas where Christianity has a significant presence.
Mandatory prior declaration and public display infringe on the right to privacy and freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
The bill was passed without sufficient consultation, as the demand to refer it to a Select Committee was rejected.
Tribal Christian communities in particular fear the law could exacerbate existing social tensions, including reported difficulties in accessing burial grounds and other community rights.
# Broader Context
Chhattisgarh joins several other states with similar anti-conversion legislation. The new bill is considered one of the strictest in the country due to the inclusion of life imprisonment for mass conversions and high fines. The bill has been passed by the Assembly and is currently awaiting the Governor’s assent to become law.
Organisers of tomorrow’s rallies have stressed that the protest is directed against what they term a “threat to democratic values and the secular fabric of India,” while maintaining that it will remain entirely peaceful.
As Chhattisgarh prepares for these coordinated demonstrations, the event is expected to draw significant participation from churches across districts such as Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bastar, Surguja, and others with substantial Christian and Adivasi populations.
Local authorities have been requested to ensure smooth conduct and adequate security for the peaceful march to the collectorates. The outcome of these rallies and any further response from the state government will be closely watched in the coming days.
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