Churches Post Entry Notices After New Anti‑Conversion Law Takes Effect in Chhattisgarh

Churches in Dhamtari have posted Hindi notices barring non‑Christians from worship, citing the newly enforced Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026. A board outside the 116‑year‑old Sunderganj Mennonite Church reads that entry is restricted to Christians and anyone entering voluntarily does so at their own risk. A similar sign at the Church of God states worship is exclusive to Christians and non‑Christians will be held personally responsible. The notices have been up for almost a month, according to Diamond Philus, general secretary of the Dhamtari District Christian Forum, who said they are a precaution to avoid action under the law. The Act, notified in August, aims to curb religious conversions and mandates that anyone planning to change religion must inform the district administration 60 days in advance. Philus called the provisions draconian and warned they could be used to frame anyone. The forum reports more than 1,000 people have submitted self‑declaration forms at the District Collectorate, stating they attend church meetings voluntarily and without coercion. The forms require applicants to confirm no force, threat, inducement or fraud was used. Philus added that right‑wing groups have repeatedly disrupted prayer meetings and disputed last rites, prompting the boards to protect the Christian community. He cited a September 15 meeting at the Collectorate where officials sided with right‑wing protesters who demanded churches deny entry until conversion is proven. Philus emphasized the community is not refusing anyone, but those who come do so at their own risk.

Context

The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act joins similar anti‑conversion legislation in other Indian states, which often require prior notification of intent to convert. Such laws have sparked tension between religious minorities and right‑wing groups, leading to precautionary measures like the church notices.