INDIA: Harsh Anti-Conversion Laws in Chhattisgarh

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Catholic Connect, International Christian Concern

A pastor is sharing the Gospel in India.

Photo: VOM International

While many Indian states have instituted laws aimed at preventing coerced or forced religious conversions, the newly passed legislation in Chhattisgarh is notably more severe. Signed into effect by the governor on April 7th, the recently implemented law replaces a 1968 statute that Christian leaders say was frequently used as a weapon against minority communities.

The new law further enforces potential abuse by making it a non-bailable offence to convert anyone through force, allurement, undue influence, misrepresentation, marriage, and now also digital platforms. The ruling also mandates that individuals seeking to convert must give 60 days' advance notice, allowing opposing officials, family members, as well as others within the state, opportunities to scrutinize their intent. Police are then authorized to intervene and make arrests if any violation is suspected.

The law specifically exempts conversions to Hinduism, adding that reconverting to one's "ancestral religion" is not treated as a religious conversion. Punishments for violating the new statute are particularly harsh as standard offences carry prison sentences ranging from seven to ten years, along with fines of approximately $7,000 CAD. If the converting individual is classified as vulnerable (such as a woman, youth, mentally ill person, or someone deemed a member of India's Scheduled Castes), punishments are doubled. In addition, a "mass conversion" (involving more than one convert), could result in a life sentence.

Christian advocacy groups have called the law unconstitutional and discriminatory, arguing that it is designed to harass religious minorities. Vaguely defined terms such as "allurement" and "undue influence" have been misappropriately applied in the past, often leading to false accusations. On April 13th, more than 30,000 people gathered in Jagdalpur to protest the new law and call for its repeal. Similar demonstrations have also taken place in other communities across Chhattisgarh.

While genuinely coerced conversions should be discouraged, laws of this nature have repeatedly been used to falsely accuse, harass, intimidate and mistreat Christians.
For access to VOMC's previously published reports, go to our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold followers of Jesus in India, asking the Lord to provide them guidance, courage and wisdom as they seek to faithfully and peaceably share the "Good News" of His great love and gift of eternal salvation amid the growing restrictions.

• Intercede for India's governing leaders, as well as the members of its judicial courts and police enforcement, praying that they would exercise discernment and strive to uphold true justice – not only preventing the misuse of laws for political or personal gain, but also rightfully granting religious freedom for all citizens.

• Additionally, pray that India's anti-conversion laws would be overturned; and that, in the interim, all believers undergoing spiritual oppression and persecution will receive persevering strength and enduring hope through their unity in the Holy Spirit.