Chhattisgarh High Court Bars Religious Bodies from Acting as Courts

The Chhattisgarh High Court delivered a judgment stating that religious institutions are not empowered to act as courts of law. The bench emphasized that the Constitution reserves judicial functions for courts established under statutory law, and any attempt by a religious body to dispense justice would be ultra vires.

The ruling came in response to a petition challenging the practice of a religious organization conducting dispute resolution that resembled a court. The court clarified that while religious bodies may mediate matters internally, they cannot issue binding judicial orders or enforce penalties.

Legal experts noted that the decision upholds the principle of separation of powers and prevents parallel judicial systems that could undermine the uniform application of law across the state. The judgment is expected to guide lower courts and religious groups in handling civil disputes moving forward.