Supreme Court Upholds Kanker Gram Sabhas' Ban on Missionaries, PESA Rights Strengthened

• The Supreme Court has upheld the boards put up by Gram Sabhas in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh, prohibiting the entry of 'religious preachers'.
• A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta dismissed the petition filed by Christian missionaries on February 16, 2026.
• The Court stated that under the PESA Act, Gram Sabhas are competent to make decisions on issues related to their socio-cultural preservation, strengthening PESA rights.
• The boards in eight Kanker villages aimed to protect tribal identity and prevent forced conversions by restricting Christian pastors and converted Christians from other villages.
• Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma welcomed the decision, emphasizing the right of Gram Sabhas in PESA and Fifth Schedule areas to protect their culture.