Possible Conversion Ban Proposed in Chhattisgarh? Chief Minister's Remarks Explored
Raipur's Proposed Crackdown: Chhattisgarh's CM, Vishnu Deo Sai, has ambitiously declared plans to implement a robust new law, aiming to halt unlawful religious conversions—especially focusing on tribal communities. The existing anti-conversion law in Chhattisgarh is set to undergo significant enhancement, but as of May 2025, no specific timeline for the new legislation's introduction has been given[1][2][3].
Key Components of the Upcoming Law:
Though specifics are scarce, several critical components have been hinted:
- Delisting of Tribals: There is a push for stripping tribals of their Scheduled Tribe status if they convert to another religion. This move is intended to curb exploitation by hindering proselytization, assuring that those who convert forfeit privileges intended for Scheduled Tribes[2].
- Strengthening Existing Law: The existing anti-conversion law in Chhattisgarh will be enforced more stringently. The government is examining the anticonversion laws in other states to shape its legislation[2].
- Prevention of Deceptive Conversions: The proposed law aims to thwart conversions engineered through fraudulent methods, such as using education or facilities as alluring inducements[2].
Controversy and Background:
The announcement follows rising apprehensions in Chhattisgarh, where allegations of religious conversion have sparked legal actions and public demonstrations. For instance, Sister Bincy Joseph, a nun suspected of conversion, was recently granted bail by the Bilaspur High Court[5]. The state government has been investigating conversion cases, with 27 such cases registered over the past six years[5].
- Definitely, the secular landscape of Bihar may bear close observation, given Chhattisgarh's plans to delist tribals after conversion, a policy-and-legislation move aimed at preventing religious conversions.
- The politics of religion in Chhattisgarh has become a general news topic, as controversies over conversion accusations prompt stricter laws: for example, the investigation of 27 conversion cases in the past six years.
- The upcoming law in Chhattisgarh, focusing on preventing deceptive conversions and strengthening the existing anti-conversion law, could potentially serve as a model for other states in policy-and-legislation reforms.
- As Bihar examines the implications of Chhattisgarh's proposed conversion law, which includes delisting of tribals and stricter enforcement of anti-conversion legislation, it remains to be seen if the state will follow suit in its policy-and-legislation efforts.
