Chhattisgarh Cabinet approves Freedom of Religion Bill 2026
The Chhattisgarh State Cabinet has approved the draft Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, aimed at preventing illegal religious conversions. The bill targets conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraudulent means, or undue influence, and will be introduced in the Legislative Assembly for discussion and possible passage. Its primary aim is to prevent unlawful conversions while protecting the constitutional right to practice faith freely. The legislation seeks to address cases where individuals may be pressured to change religion, balancing public order with religious liberty under the Constitution.
Bill: Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 approved by Chhattisgarh Cabinet.
Purpose: curb illegal religious conversions through force/inducement/fraud.
Process: to be introduced in Legislative Assembly.
Rights protected: freedom to practice faith; safeguards against coercion.
Context: addresses undue influence in conversions.
In a landmark development, the Supreme Court signalled support for a Uniform Civil Code, signaling that Parliament should consider reforms to personal law to promote equality. The Court cautioned that scrapping Shariat law entirely could create a legal vacuum, underscoring the need for a carefully calibrated approach. The decision intensifies the public policy debate on personal laws and invites legislative action to address areas where discrimination may persist. Legal experts noted that any UCC legislation would require broad consensus and careful balancing of constitutional rights and religious freedoms, with Parliament responsible for drafting balanced reform that respects diverse beliefs while advancing equal rights.