In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a new unofficial directive has surfaced, urging the closure of house churches under threat of legal action. This order, reportedly issued by the Raipur Police, is seen as a violation of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely practice religion. Many house churches, particularly vulnerable to potential attacks from Hindutva groups such as Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have been affected.
A lead advocate involved in a legal challenge against this directive expressed concern over what he perceives as a selective legal assault on Christians praying in their homes. He noted that attacks on Christian communities are escalating in Chhattisgarh and across the country, with the recent ban on house churches adding to the community’s distress.
The advocate highlighted that this issue has been brewing for several months. In July, two pastors were summoned to the Purani Basti Police Station, where they were instructed to cease operations of their churches. On questioning the legality of this order, they were directed to contact higher authorities. Subsequently, community members, along with representatives from Bajrang Dal, were advised by the Collector and the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) that house churches must adhere to the Chhattisgarh Sarvajanik Dharmik Bhawan Tatha Sthan Viniyaman Adhiniyam, or the 1984 Act, which governs the construction and use of public religious facilities.
Additionally, the state is formulating a more stringent law aimed at preventing religious conversions, further complicating the situation, though religious leaders have challenged the validity of such regulations. Arun Pannalal, president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, confirmed that they have submitted a petition in the High Court, outlining their grievances, and reached out to law enforcement and government officials without receiving any feedback.
Pannalal remarked on the absurdity of being advised to join Catholic churches and criticized the imposition of such orders. Tension grew following an August 14 meeting where police instructed nearly 400 church leaders to cease operations of house churches until they obtain explicit permission from the district collector.
Although no formal order has been issued, a recent notice from authorities referenced the 1984 Act, demanding the shutdown of a specific church. The advocate noted that previous orders, issued during the COVID-19 pandemic to limit gatherings, have been misinterpreted as grounds for enforcing this ban.
On August 12, a rally opposing these measures occurred in Raipur, but the subsequent police meeting resulted in further restrictions on the community’s worship practices. Pastoral leaders asserted that home prayers, typically attended by friends and close family, are unjustly characterized as public gatherings.
Nevertheless, house churches primarily operated by Pentecostal pastors have increasingly faced pressure to cease activities, leading to a climate of fear and legal anxiety within the community. Pastor Benu expressed indignation over the order and indicated plans for collective protest. Pannalal stated that unfounded allegations of conversion activities against house churches have been repeatedly debunked without evidence.
Concerns also arose regarding harassment during home visits for prayer, particularly incidents involving members of Bajrang Dal. Pannalal condemned the police’s inaction in protecting the community, citing fears that external parties could intrude into private homes. He underscored their commitment to seeking legal recourse, including appeals to the Supreme Court.
On September 18, a rally supporting the Christian community organized by Bhim Army faced counter-demonstrations from a Hindutva group. Data compiled by the Evangelical Fellowship of India’s Religious Liberty Commission indicates that between January and July 2023, Chhattisgarh recorded 86 instances of targeted attacks on Christians, making it the second-highest in the nation, following Uttar Pradesh.
Reports indicate that last year, 165 incidents of anti-Christian violence occurred in Chhattisgarh, marking it as one of the highest in India according to the United Christian Forum. Although Christians represent less than 2 percent of Chhattisgarh’s 30 million residents, the rise in hostility against them continues to provoke serious concerns within their communities.
Tags: Chhattisgarh, house churches, pastors, ban order, police
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