Chhattisgarh: Gram Sabha in Bastar's Sukma bars land for Christian burials, prayer meets; invokes PESA

Raipur: A special Gram Sabha in Punpalli village of Sukma has passed a resolution saying no Gram Sabha land will be made available to Christians or converts for burials, churches, prayer meetings or “healing” gatherings, and has also put up a public notice barring pastors and Christian preachers from entering the village for conversion or religious activity.The resolution, passed as decision number 6 of the special Gram Sabha, cites Article 244(1) of the Constitution, the fifth schedule, the Panchayats (extension to scheduled areas) Act, 1996, and Chhattisgarh’s PESA framework to justify the move, confirmed Bheema Markam, the janpad member.The notice erected at the entrance of the village states that not “an inch” of Gram Sabha land would be given for burial of Christian or converted persons, churches, prayer meetings or healing gatherings.It also says pastors, priests and Christian preachers would not be allowed to enter Punpalli for conversion, prayer meetings or related religious activity.Janpad member Madkam Bhima said the Gram Sabha had taken the decision keeping in mind the village’s traditional system, social unity and community interests, while adding that any dispute should be dealt with through legal and constitutional processes.The development is significant because Punpalli lies in a Scheduled Area, where PESA gives Gram Sabhas substantial powers to safeguard tribal traditions, customs, cultural identity, community resources and customary methods of dispute resolution. The central PESA Act explicitly recognises those powers.However, the Act does not expressly state that a Gram Sabha can exclude people from community land or village religious life solely on the basis of their faith. That makes the scope and legal enforceability of Punpalli’s resolution a potentially contentious question.The issue is particularly sensitive in Bastar, where disputes over conversion, burial rights and the religious identity of tribal communities have repeatedly led to confrontation.In January 2025, the supreme court had to intervene in a Chhattisgarh burial dispute after a Christian tribal family from Bastar said it was prevented from burying a deceased family member in the village. The case highlighted the tension between local customary claims, burial practices and constitutional rights.Punpalli’s special Gram Sabha said its decision was aimed at protecting the village’s cultural identity, traditional practices and social heritage. The resolution has been displayed publicly on an information board so residents and visitors are aware of it.Among those present at the Gram Sabha were sarpanch Sonmati Madvi, Gram Sabha president Barse Soma, deputy sarpanch Muchaki Nanda, village Patel Barse Pandu and other traditional and elected representatives.Officials said the administration would examine the Gram Sabha resolution and the notice put up in Punpalli to determine whether the decisions fall within the powers available to a Gram Sabha under PESA and other applicable laws.They said Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas have an important role in protecting customary practices, traditions and community resources.“The contents of the resolution and the circumstances in which it was passed will be looked into. If any provision is found to be inconsistent with law or beyond the jurisdiction of the Gram Sabha, appropriate action will be taken as per procedure,” an official said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Raipur | Silver Rate in Raipur | Bank Holidays in Raipur | Public Holidays in Raipur | Raipur AQI | Weather in Raipur | Petrol Price in Raipur | Diesel Price in Raipur | CNG Price in Raipur | LPG Price in RaipurStay updated with the latest Raipur news. Download the TOI App.