News for 'religious conversion law'

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the central government of providing 'VIP treatment' to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, criticising perceived double standards in dealing with crime.

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates fundamental rights and creates legal asymmetry by exempting Muslim men from bigamy laws applicable to other citizens.

Maharashtra minister seeks probe into AIMIM's role in TCS case

Maharashtra minister seeks probe into AIMIM's role in TCS case

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has called for a police investigation into the alleged involvement of AIMIM and its ex-MP Imtiaz Jaleel in the Nashik TCS case, following the arrest of accused Nida Khan. Shirsat alleges AIMIM is encouraging religious conversions and that Khan is part of a larger network.

Why Noida Police Officers Were Suspended in Rape Case

Why Noida Police Officers Were Suspended in Rape Case

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Noida Police have suspended two officers for failing to include key legal provisions in a rape case FIR, including those related to unlawful religious conversion and the SC/ST Act.

SIT to probe 'religious conversion' complaint against UP IAS officer

SIT to probe 'religious conversion' complaint against UP IAS officer

Rediff.com28 Sep 2021

The Uttar Pradesh government ordered a probe by a special investigation team after an IAS officer was seen in some video clips at a gathering at his home where religious conversion was being allegedly discussed.

18 held under anti-conversion law in UP; accused sent to 9-day police custody

18 held under anti-conversion law in UP; accused sent to 9-day police custody

Rediff.com29 May 2023

An additional chief judicial magistrate sent the accused to nine days of police remand on Monday.

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Monday fixed May 2 for giving its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea filed by TCS employee Nida Khan, an accused in a case related to alleged sexual harassment and forcible religious conversion at the IT firm's local unit.

BJP revamp buzz grows as reshuffle speculation swirls

BJP revamp buzz grows as reshuffle speculation swirls

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The BJP team under the new national president Nitin Nabin, who took charge in January, is expected to be announced within this month, with sources suggesting that some holding positions in the government may move to the party.

Nashik police reach Mumbra to trace absconding TCS woman employee

Nashik police reach Mumbra to trace absconding TCS woman employee

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

A Nashik police Crime Branch team arrived in Mumbra, Thane district, to track down a woman accused in a case related to alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment at a TCS unit. The absconding accused has been on the police radar following complaints in Nashik, where the scandal-hit TCS unit is based.

Cleric funded by ISI held for religious conversion: UP police

Cleric funded by ISI held for religious conversion: UP police

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui was arrested by the ATS, which is probing the racket, at around 9 pm on Tuesday from Meerut, Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order, Prashant Kumar said.

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the central government of providing special treatment to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is accused in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case. Mann's criticism comes after Union Minister Amit Shah spoke about gang activities in Punjab.

Chhattisgarh to bring stringent law to prevent tribal conversion

Chhattisgarh to bring stringent law to prevent tribal conversion

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced that his government will introduce a new stringent law to prevent religious conversion of tribal people, and possibly others. He also advocated for the delisting of tribals, removing them from the Scheduled Tribe category if they convert to another religion, saying it will prevent proselytisation.

Karnataka Cong govt repeals BJP era anti-conversion law

Karnataka Cong govt repeals BJP era anti-conversion law

Rediff.com15 Jun 2023

The government will introduce a bill in this regard in the upcoming legislature session, which starts on July 3.

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the father of two adult women and the Uttar Pradesh government to jointly pay Rs 25 lakh compensation. This ruling comes after the sisters were illegally confined at their parental home for converting to Islam. The court affirmed their right to choose their faith and criticised both the father and the state for infringing upon their fundamental liberties.

PIL on anti-conversion laws: Centre in SC questions Teesta NGO's locus standi

PIL on anti-conversion laws: Centre in SC questions Teesta NGO's locus standi

Rediff.com30 Jan 2023

Alleging that the NGO allows its name to be used "at the behest of some selected political interest", the Union of India told the top court that it is guilty of collecting huge funds by exploiting the agonies of riot-affected people.

TCS case: Nida Khan involved in 'forcible conversion'

TCS case: Nida Khan involved in 'forcible conversion'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Police are searching for a TCS employee, Nida Khan, in connection with alleged forcible conversion at the company's Nashik unit. This follows the arrest of eight individuals in related sexual harassment cases. Khan's anticipatory bail plea was adjourned, and police are actively seeking her arrest.

Gujarat HC refuses to change order on anti-conversion law

Gujarat HC refuses to change order on anti-conversion law

Rediff.com26 Aug 2021

The Gujarat high court on Thursday turned down the state government's plea seeking rectification of its recent order in which it stayed the operation of section 5 of the new anti-conversion law.

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the United Nations to intervene on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing human rights violations.

Allahabad HC delivers split verdict on 'bulldozer justice'

Allahabad HC delivers split verdict on 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Allahabad high court has delivered a split verdict on the controversial practice of "bulldozer justice," involving the punitive demolition of properties linked to accused persons. Two judges, Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan, expressed differing views on whether a stay on demolitions can be issued, leading the matter to be referred to the Chief Justice for a third judge's opinion.

Gujarat police make first arrest under new anti-conversion law

Gujarat police make first arrest under new anti-conversion law

Rediff.com18 Jun 2021

Gujarat police have registered the first FIR in the state under the newly-notified law against forcible or fraudulent religious conversion through marriage, and arrested a 26-year-old man in Vadodara city, a senior official said on Friday.

TCS Employee Accused Of Harassment Seeks Anticipatory Bail

TCS Employee Accused Of Harassment Seeks Anticipatory Bail

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

A female employee of TCS in Nashik, accused of religious conversion and sexual harassment of women colleagues, has applied for anticipatory bail, citing her pregnancy. Police are investigating the allegations, and TCS has launched an internal probe.

Gujarat to move SC against HC stay on parts of conversion law

Gujarat to move SC against HC stay on parts of conversion law

Rediff.com27 Aug 2021

"Since some people have challenged the provisions of the new law, the High Court has recently put a stay on the law. However, after consulting legal experts and our Advocate General, chief minister Vijay Rupani has decided to challenge this stay in the Supreme Court," deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said.

Fadnavis Orders Thorough Probe In Key Maharashtra Cases

Fadnavis Orders Thorough Probe In Key Maharashtra Cases

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed key cases with the Home department and directed the police to ensure thorough investigation and strong prosecution.

Conversion to Islam bona fide if done by free-will, with sound mind: HC

Conversion to Islam bona fide if done by free-will, with sound mind: HC

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The HC said this while dismissing a petition by Taufik Ahmad who had sought quashing of proceedings against him on charges of rape and unlawful religious conversion of a Hindu girl to Islam through misrepresentation under the UP anti-conversion law.

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

With political divisions dominating conversations, can couples with opposing views stay together?

TCS case key accused Nida Khan sent to police custody till May 11

TCS case key accused Nida Khan sent to police custody till May 11

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Nida Khan, a TCS employee accused of religious conversion and sexual harassment, has been arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. An AIMIM corporator is alleged to have provided her shelter. The arrest has sparked political reactions and renewed focus on workplace harassment prevention.

Cleric among 4 held as UP police bust conversion racket

Cleric among 4 held as UP police bust conversion racket

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Uttar Pradesh Police has busted an inter-state religious conversion racket and arrested four individuals, including a madrasa cleric, officials said in Bareilly on Wednesday.

Maha to act on forced conversions, SC quota misuse: Fadnavis

Maha to act on forced conversions, SC quota misuse: Fadnavis

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state government's intention to introduce strong provisions to deal with religious conversions done using force or cheating. A panel has submitted recommendations, and the government will study and implement necessary changes. The move comes amid claims of misuse of religious freedom and concerns about conversions through coercion and deceit.

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Justice Vinod Diwaker made the observation while rejecting a plea to cancel an FIR against four people accused under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.

HC stays sections on interfaith marriage in Gujarat's anti-conversion law

HC stays sections on interfaith marriage in Gujarat's anti-conversion law

Rediff.com19 Aug 2021

The Gujarat high court on Thursday put a stay on the operation of some sections related to interfaith marriages of the state's new anti-conversion law.

'Distorted': India slams US body's call for sanctions on R&AW, RSS

'Distorted': India slams US body's call for sanctions on R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India has rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that criticised India's record on religious freedom and called for linking US security assistance and trade to improvements in this area.

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A US federal government commission has raised concerns about the state of religious freedom in India, recommending its designation as a 'Country of Particular Concern' and suggesting targeted sanctions.

NCW orders TCS to form PoSH panels in all its units after harassment case

NCW orders TCS to form PoSH panels in all its units after harassment case

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has directed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to establish separate internal committees in all its 127 units with 10 or more employees within four weeks to strengthen compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, following concerns raised in the TCS Nashik case.

The Kerala Story 2 Trailer Sparks Debate with Its Alarming Message

The Kerala Story 2 Trailer Sparks Debate with Its Alarming Message

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The trailer of The Kerala Story 2 has triggered widespread conversation with its intense and controversial messaging of religious conversion. Read reactions and key takeaways from the debate.

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

'For the rest of his tenure, people will start with the assumption that even Modi can be forced to bow down'

Wrong to claim one religion as only true religion: HC

Wrong to claim one religion as only true religion: HC

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that claiming a particular religion is the 'only true religion' is inappropriate in a secular country like India and could violate laws against disparaging other faiths. The court dismissed a petition filed by a Reverend Father, stating that such claims could fall under Section 295A of the IPC, which addresses acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

Rediff.com20 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new border security initiative, including land transfer to the BSF and a 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting infiltrators.

104 ex-IAS officers write to UP CM against anti-conversion law

104 ex-IAS officers write to UP CM against anti-conversion law

Rediff.com30 Dec 2020

They alleged that the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance was being used to "victimise especially those Indian men who are Muslim and women who dare to exercise their freedom of choice".

Court Rejects Bail For TCS Employee In Harassment Case

Court Rejects Bail For TCS Employee In Harassment Case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A local court in Nashik has denied interim protection from arrest to a TCS employee, Danish Shaikh, in a case related to alleged sexual harassment and forcible conversion at the company's local unit. The court cited serious criminal antecedents against the accused and the wide social repercussions of the alleged offence.

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Earlier, people used to hand money directly to priests after a ritual, and priests would keep it in their own pockets. We completely stopped that practice.'