Raipur, March 20 -- The Chhattisgarh Assembly on Friday passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, described by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai as a significant milestone for preserving the state's cultural identity and social balance, the release said.

Extending greetings on the Hindu New Year and Chaitra Navratri, he prayed to Goddess Durga for prosperity, peace, and well-being in the state.

According to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Sai said incidents of religious conversions through inducement, pressure, or misinformation targeting vulnerable sections had been affecting social harmony, and the new law would effectively curb such practices and restore balance and trust in society.

The Chief Minister stated that any...