News for 'religious conversion'

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response on a plea challenging certain provisions of the 2024 amended UP law on unlawful religious conversion, citing concerns about free speech and religious propagation.

Director Claims Actress's Marriage is 'Love Jihad', Seeks Intervention

Director Claims Actress's Marriage is 'Love Jihad', Seeks Intervention

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Film director Sanoj Mishra has alleged that the marriage of actress Monalisa Bhonsle to a Muslim man is a case of 'love jihad' and plans to take the matter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.

Director to Take 'Love Jihad' Claim in Viral Kumbh Girl's Marriage to MP Chief Minister

Director to Take 'Love Jihad' Claim in Viral Kumbh Girl's Marriage to MP Chief Minister

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Film director Sanoj Mishra met the family of Monalisa Bhonsle, the viral Kumbh girl who recently married a Muslim man, alleging 'love jihad' and promising to take the matter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.

Action Against AIMIM Leader For Harbouring Accused

Action Against AIMIM Leader For Harbouring Accused

Rediff.com11 May 2026

AIMIM leader Matin Patel faces potential cancellation of his corporatorship for allegedly harbouring Nida Khan, accused in a sexual harassment and forced conversion case. Authorities are investigating alleged illegal construction at his residence, which could lead to his disqualification under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act.

'Serious antecedents': No relief for arrested TCS employee in another case

'Serious antecedents': No relief for arrested TCS employee in another case

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A court in Nashik, Maharashtra, has denied interim protection from arrest to a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee, Danish Shaikh, in a case related to alleged sexual harassment and forcible conversion at the company's local unit. Shaikh is already in judicial custody in connection with one of nine FIRs registered in the case.

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.

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Congress party has directed its MPs to attend Parliament and protest against the FCRA Amendment Bill, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to minority organisations. The government asserts the bill aims to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of foreign funds.

In defence of religious conversion

In defence of religious conversion

Rediff.com12 Dec 2014

'Banning conversion would harm Hinduism by taking away the need for reform.'

Main Vaapas Aaunga Review: Heartfelt, Moving Drama

Main Vaapas Aaunga Review: Heartfelt, Moving Drama

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Main Vaapas Aaunga transcends its flaws to deliver a profoundly moving plea for humanity, anchored by heartbreakingly brilliant performances, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

TCS Nashik case: No interim relief to Nida Khan; SIT intensifies search

TCS Nashik case: No interim relief to Nida Khan; SIT intensifies search

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A local court in Nashik has deferred a decision on interim protection from arrest for Nida Khan, an accused in the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) sexual harassment and religious coercion case, requesting a police response by April 27. The SIT is investigating multiple cases of molestation and harassment at TCS's Nashik unit.

Salim Kumar's 10 Funniest Characters

Salim Kumar's 10 Funniest Characters

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

From Manavalan to Kannan Srank, a tribute to the unforgettable Salim Kumar who made generations of Malayalis laugh with his signature humour.

Nashik TCS case: 'He said women not wearing burqas are raped'

Nashik TCS case: 'He said women not wearing burqas are raped'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A woman engineer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik has alleged harassment and religious coercion, including derogatory slurs and inappropriate touching. Police have arrested eight people and are searching for another accused. TCS has launched an internal probe and suspended employees allegedly involved.

Kerala couple among 7 held in Maha over forced conversion

Kerala couple among 7 held in Maha over forced conversion

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Police in Maharashtra's Amravati district arrested a pastor from Kerala and seven others on charges of hurting religious sentiments after allegations of offering money for conversion to Christianity. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the arrests.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.

Court Refuses Interim Arrest Protection In TCS Harassment Case

Court Refuses Interim Arrest Protection In TCS Harassment Case

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A court in Nashik has declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Nida Khan, a key accused in the sexual harassment and religious coercion probe at a Tata Consultancy Services unit. The court has directed the Nashik Police and the complainant to file their formal responses to her anticipatory bail application.

Scheduled Caste status only for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs, not converts, rules SC

Scheduled Caste status only for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs, not converts, rules SC

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that individuals converting from Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism cannot retain Scheduled Caste status, reinforcing existing constitutional provisions.

Kerala CM Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over Nuns Attack Claim

Kerala CM Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over Nuns Attack Claim

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleging his involvement in the attack on nuns in Chhattisgarh, calling the remarks ignorant and excessive.

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

When Bangalore-based Arjun* agreed to an arranged marriage, he believed he had found the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. But a quiet conflict over religion at home soon began to test the relationship.

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate bishops and church leaders in Kerala to gain their support, asserting that such tactics will not succeed in the state.

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.

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Lok Sabha takes up FCRA Amendment Bill amid opposition protests.

Maharashtra Government Enforces POSH Act For Workplace Safety

Maharashtra Government Enforces POSH Act For Workplace Safety

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has directed strict implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act to protect women in the workplace, following a serious incident at a TCS unit in Nashik. Establishments with 10 or more employees must set up Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and register on the Centre's She-Box portal, with failure to comply resulting in penalties.

Muslim woman alleges forced conversion in UP

Muslim woman alleges forced conversion in UP

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

Bhadohi (UP), Jun 27 (PTI) A shocking incident of forced religious conversion, sexual exploitation, extortion, blackmailing and humiliation of a woman came to light in Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi district on Friday, a senior police official said.

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'This is a major rupture in Tamil Nadu's political order.' 'For the Dravidian parties, the message is clear: The old DMK-AIADMK binary is no longer guaranteed a future.'

'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.

Kerala nuns arrested in Durg for 'trafficking, conversion', Rahul protests

Kerala nuns arrested in Durg for 'trafficking, conversion', Rahul protests

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other UDF MPs protest the arrest of Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh, alleging religious persecution by the BJP government and demanding their immediate release.

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.

Nuns' arrest fuels Chhattisgarh's push for tougher anti-conversion law

Nuns' arrest fuels Chhattisgarh's push for tougher anti-conversion law

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced plans for a new anti-conversion law following the arrest of two nuns from Kerala on charges related to religious conversion and human trafficking. The announcement comes amid political tensions and accusations of wrongful arrest.

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.

'Is It True Our Daughters Are Being Forcefully Fed Beef?'

'Is It True Our Daughters Are Being Forcefully Fed Beef?'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

'The real #KeralaStory is how pork, beef and fish coexist with vegetarian sadya and all of them live in harmony.'

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has voiced concern over a 'new type of fraud' involving individuals from dominant upper-caste backgrounds in Haryana converting to Buddhism solely to claim minority reservation benefits. The court has sought a report from the chief secretary of Haryana on the issuance of minority certificates.

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.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

Has Baazigar Modi Fired His Best Shot?

Has Baazigar Modi Fired His Best Shot?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

What is missing in the BJP's armour is dominance over 50 percent of the electorate: Women. And this is a gamble Modi-Shah have indicated that they are willing to take, explains Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

ED raids in Delhi, UP over alleged religious conversion

ED raids in Delhi, UP over alleged religious conversion

Rediff.com3 Jul 2021

The officials said several "incriminating" documents have been seized during the searches, which reveal the "large-scale conversion" allegedly carried out by Umar Gautam and his organisations across India.

Declare Pak atrocities against Hindus in 1971 as genocide: US lawmaker

Declare Pak atrocities against Hindus in 1971 as genocide: US lawmaker

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

A US Congressman has introduced a resolution urging the US government to recognise the 1971 atrocities committed against Bengali Hindus in Bangladesh by the Pakistani Army as a genocide, seeking justice and historical acknowledgement.

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Madhya Pradesh Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Inder Singh Parmar has sparked controversy by saying that social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a 'British agent' who started a 'vicious cycle of religious conversion', prompting the Trinamool Congress to call the remarks an insult to Bengal.

Uttarakhand: 20 lakh LPG cylinders needed for Char Dham Yatra

Uttarakhand: 20 lakh LPG cylinders needed for Char Dham Yatra

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Around 2 million commercial and domestic LPG cylinders will be required to meet demand from hotels, restaurants, and roadside eateries during the upcoming Char Dham Yatra 2026, according to Prajapati Nautiyal, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the Char Dham Yatra Administration Organisation.

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The construction of a Babri Masjid-style mosque in West Bengal's Murshidabad district has become a focal point in the upcoming elections, reshaping voter loyalties and raising communal tensions.