Chhattisgarh Enforces Stringent New Anti-Conversion Law

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening social harmony and safeguarding religious freedom, the Chhattisgarh government has officially implemented the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026. Following its passage in the State Assembly on March 19 and the Governor’s assent in April, the new legislation officially came into effect on July 10, 2026. This comprehensive law marks a significant shift in the state's legal framework, replacing the outdated 1968 Act and introducing severe penalties for forced or fraudulent religious conversions.

Life Imprisonment and Heavy Fines: The New Penalties

The Chhattisgarh government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal conversion tactics, including force, inducement, fraud, or coercion. The new Act introduces a tiered punishment structure based on the severity of the offense:

• Normal Cases: Illegal conversion now carries a mandatory jail term ranging from seven to 10 years, coupled with a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh.

• Special Categories: Crimes involving minors, women, or individuals from SC, ST, and OBC communities attract intensified penalties, ranging from 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.

• Mass Conversion: In cases involving mass conversions, the law provides for the most stringent punishment, ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, with a minimum fine of ₹25 lakh. Additionally, the Act includes a provision allowing marriages performed solely for the purpose of religious conversion to be declared void by the courts.

Mandatory Procedure for Religious Conversion

To ensure transparency and legal compliance, the state has established a rigorous new procedure for any individual wishing to change their religion. Applicants must formally notify an authorized officer, after which their details will be publicly displayed on the government website, at the local Gram Panchayat, and the relevant police station. The administration will process any claims or objections within a 30-day window. If the conversion process is not completed within 90 days of the specified date, the application will be considered null and void, effectively closing the case.

Aligning with National Legal Standards

With the implementation of this Act, Chhattisgarh joins a growing list of 12 states across India—including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and Maharashtra—that have enacted similar legislation to regulate religious conversions. State Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma emphasized that the new law was drafted after a thorough study of these existing state-level frameworks. While there is no centralized federal law governing conversions, the Chhattisgarh government’s decision reflects a proactive approach to maintaining regional social cohesion and providing a clear, enforceable legal pathway for those pursuing religious change, while strictly penalizing those who circumvent the law through illicit means.