Churches in India’s Chhattisgarh State Restrict Entry Amid New Conversion Law

Over 40 churches in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh, India, have posted notices restricting worship services to Christians only. While some sources estimate the number of participating churches to be over 10, others report that more than 40 congregations have adopted the policy. The signs warn non-Christians that they enter church premises at their own risk, a measure local leaders describe as a precaution against legal harassment and targeted disruptions.

The Dhamtari District Christian Forum implemented these guidelines following the enactment of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, which imposes severe penalties for forced or fraudulent conversions. Christian leaders state that the move is a defensive response to pressure from Hindu nationalist groups, who have demanded that non-Christians be barred from churches. Although the law does not explicitly prohibit casual attendance, the community reports a climate of anxiety and fear, noting that the new restrictions represent a significant departure from the traditionally open nature of their worship services.