Raipur: The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld the legality of signboards installed in eight villages of Kanker district that restrict the entry of Christian pastors and individuals who have converted to Christianity. The court stated that the move was a preventive step against forced or induced religious conversions, rather than a violation of constitutional rights.

A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Dutt Guru ruled that the *gram sabhas* (village councils) acted within their powers under the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, which allows local bodies to take measures for the protection of tribal culture and traditions. The judges observed that the boards were installed to safeguard the interests and cultural identity of the local tribal communities.

The state government also argued that the boards were not meant to discriminate against any religious group but to maintain social harmony and prevent conflicts linked to conversion-related tensions in the region. Accepting this reasoning, the court dismissed the public interest petition challenging the boards as unconstitutional.

However, several rights groups and legal experts have expressed concern that the decision may have broader social implications. They fear that such restrictions could be interpreted as limiting freedom of religion and equality guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Some observers have also pointed out the need to ensure that preventive measures do not translate into social exclusion or reinforce divisions.

The issue of religious conversion has been a sensitive and recurring topic in several tribal areas of India. While some communities have raised concerns about external influences affecting traditional practices, others have emphasized the need to balance cultural protection with constitutional freedoms.

With this ruling, the debate is expected to continue both in legal and social spheres. Many anticipate that the matter may be taken to the Supreme Court for further examination of the balance between local autonomy, cultural preservation, and fundamental rights.