The head of the Catholic Church in Chhattisgarh has expressed concern after the Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea challenging restrictions on Christian missionaries and pastors entering certain tribal villages in the state.

On February 16, the apex court upheld a prior order of the Chhattisgarh High Court, which had declined to interfere with resolutions passed by some village councils allegedly barring the entry of pastors and tribal converts. The lower court observed that such measures were intended to prevent religious conversions through “inducement” or “manipulation” and to protect tribal culture and social harmony.

Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur said the ruling appeared discriminatory and raised concerns about constitutional guarantees, including freedom of movement and the right to propagate religion. He noted that the Supreme Court’s dismissal seemed partly procedural, as petitioners were asked to first exhaust statutory remedies by approaching local authorities.

The case involved billboards in several tribal villages stating that entry of pastors and priests was prohibited under local resolutions. Petitioners argued the restrictions amounted to segregation and discrimination against Christians.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta granted liberty to the petitioners to seek relief before the appropriate statutory authority.

India’s legal framework on religious conversion remains complex, with 10 states enforcing anti-conversion laws. Critics say such laws, which provide penalties for conversions deemed coercive or fraudulent, have sometimes been used to target religious minorities.

Sathyadeepam Weekly