The Chhattisgarh government has tabled the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak, 2026, a bill aimed at curbing religious conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraud, or misrepresentation.
The proposed law, which seeks to replace the 1968 Freedom of Religion Act, proposes stringent penalties, including life imprisonment in cases of "mass conversion".
Under the new bill, all offences will be cognisable and non-bailable, with general violations attracting imprisonment of not less than seven years, extendable to 10 years, along with a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh.
In cases involving minors, women, persons with mental disabilities, or members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes, punishment may range from 10 to 20 years' imprisonment with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.
Mass conversions may invite imprisonment of not less than 10 years, extendable to life, with fines of ₹25 lakh or more, while repeat offenders may face life imprisonment.
The bill also provides for compensation to victims of illegal conversion of up to ₹10 lakh, in addition to other penalties.
