Overview
- A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru disposed of the petitions on October 28, upholding hoardings in at least eight Kanker villages that restrict the entry of pastors and people identified as converted Christians.
- The court cited Supreme Court precedent, including Rev. Stanislaus, to affirm that Article 25 does not protect conversion by force, inducement or fraud, describing inducement-based conversion as a social menace.
- State counsel argued that PESA empowers Gram Sabhas to safeguard cultural heritage and said the signs target outside pastors allegedly seeking illegal conversions, pointing to prior unrest such as the 2023 Narayanpur incident.
- Petitioners, including Digbal Tandi and Narendra Bhavani, contended the measures misuse a Panchayat circular under the slogan “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat,” foster segregation, and have generated fear among Christians in villages like Kudal, Parvi, Junwani, Ghota, Ghotiya, Havechur, Musurputta and Sulangi.
- The bench held the pleas were premature for failing to exhaust statutory remedies and said complainants may pursue PESA appeal channels or seek police protection if they fear threats to movement or safety.