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Hoardings in Eight Villages Barring Entry to Pastors, Converted Christians Not Unconstitutional: Chhattisgarh HC
The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled the hoardings constitutional to protect tribal cultural heritage from illegal religious conversions, affecting at least eight villages in Kanker district.
- On October 28, 2025, the Chhattisgarh High Court disposed of petitions by Digbal Tandi and Narendra Bhavani, holding hoardings protecting indigenous tribes and culture not unconstitutional.
- Under the Panchayat Act, 1996, Gram Sabhas claimed authority to protect tribal heritage, adopting resolutions under the slogan Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat following Panchayat Department instructions.
- The petition names specific villages including Kudal and Sulangi where hoardings claim Scheduled Tribes are illegally converted; petitioner Digbal Tandi argued these signs segregate Christians and create fear among members and pastors.
- The bench, citing Rev. Stanislaus, limited Article 25 protections against inducement and dismissed pleas as petitioners failed to exhaust statutory remedies like appealing to the sub-divisional officer .
- Additional Advocate General Y S Thakur said the hoardings aimed to prevent outside pastors from illegal conversions, citing the 2023 Narayanpur rioting as a reason for caution, while petitioners claimed misuse of PESA to target Christians.
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Village Hoardings Barring Entry To Converted Christians Precautionary: Court
The Chhattisgarh High Court has disposed of two petitions seeking the removal of hoardings prohibiting entry to pastors and "converted Christians" in eight villages, holding that they were installed...
·New Delhi, India
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Hoardings in villages barring entry to pastors, converted Christians not unconstitutional: HC
Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed petitions against village hoardings banning pastors and converted Christians. The court ruled these signs prevent forced conversions through allurement or fraud. They protect tribal interests and local culture. The court noted petitioners should have used alternative remedies first. The decision aims to safeguard traditions and prevent harmful practices.
·India
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Right
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Right
57% Right
L 43%
R 57%
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