Overview
- A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru issued the order on October 28 and disposed of the petitions.
- The court said the hoardings appear to be precautionary measures to protect indigenous tribes and local cultural heritage.
- Petitions led by Kanker resident Digbal Tandi, and in a related case by Narendra Bhavani, challenged signs erected in at least eight Kanker villages including Kudal, Parvi, Junwani, Ghota, Ghotiya, Havechur, Musurputta and Sulangi.
- Citing Supreme Court precedent, the bench distinguished voluntary faith from conversions by force or allurement and concluded such preventive messaging does not violate the Constitution.
- The state argued through AAG Y S Thakur that gram sabhas acted within PESA, while the court noted petitioners must first pursue statutory remedies or seek police protection if they fear threats.