Gram Sabha in Chhattisgarh Bans Land Allotment to Christians for Burial and Prayer
· India · The Hindu, Indian Express
The gram sabha of Punpalli village panchayat in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district passed a resolution banning the allotment of community land to Christians and converts for burial, construction of churches, and prayer meetings. Issued on October 2, 2026, the local panchayat stated that constitutional provisions under Article 244(1), the Fifth Schedule, the PESA Act 1996, and the amended Chhattisgarh PESA Rules 2022 empowered them to take such decisions. The village has also installed an information board prohibiting the entry of Christian priests and preachers for conversion and religious activities. The Christian community stated that these orders infringe upon their right to freedom of religion guaranteed under the Constitution. Janpad Panchayat member and Bharatiya Yuva Morcha leader Madkam Bhima supported the decision, stating it was taken to protect traditional systems and social unity.
Why it matters
The village council resolution directly restricts the religious and burial rights of Christian residents in the Sukma district, raising constitutional questions over local governance powers.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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