Overview
- A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta on February 16 dismissed the appeal against the Chhattisgarh High Court’s October 28, 2025 order.
- The High Court had held hoardings barring entry of Christian pastors and “converted Christians” in eight Kanker villages were precautionary measures to protect tribal culture and not unconstitutional.
- The Supreme Court emphasized that the petitioners have liberty to approach the competent authority under the PESA Rules and could seek relief from local administration.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the appeal introduced new facts beyond the High Court pleadings, while petitioner’s counsel Colin Gonsalves argued the High Court made sweeping findings on conversions without evidence and that the signs are discriminatory.
- Petitioners pointed to related pending cases on alleged attacks on pastors and burial disputes and alleged administrative encouragement of the hoardings linked to a 2025 Panchayat circular.