News for 'religious conversion'

Shamli Court Rejects Bail In Alleged Forced Conversion Case

Shamli Court Rejects Bail In Alleged Forced Conversion Case

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A court in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, has rejected the bail applications of a woman and her father accused in an alleged forced conversion case. The complaint states that a 30-year-old man was converted to Islam under the pretext of marriage, as part of a conspiracy to seize his property.

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier verdict that a person from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community loses their SC status upon converting to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, effective from the moment of conversion.

SC issues notice to Centre on plea against forced religious conversions

SC issues notice to Centre on plea against forced religious conversions

Rediff.com23 Sep 2022

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre and others on a plea seeking direction to take stringent steps to control fraudulent religious conversion by "intimidation" and through "gifts and monetary benefits".

Court Denies Bail To TCS Employee In Conversion Case

Court Denies Bail To TCS Employee In Conversion Case

Rediff.com4 May 2026

A Nashik court denied pre-arrest bail to a TCS employee accused of sexual harassment and forcible conversion, citing a 'systematic plan' to brainwash the victim and send her to Malaysia. The court emphasised the need for custodial interrogation to uncover the root of the case, highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of the alleged offence.

Bail granted to five accused in TCS harassment-conversion case

Bail granted to five accused in TCS harassment-conversion case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A Nashik court has granted bail to five individuals accused in a sexual harassment and forcible conversion case at the local TCS unit. The court cited the completion of the investigation and the filing of the chargesheet, stating there was no serious apprehension of witness tampering. The accused face multiple FIRs related to alleged inappropriate conduct and religious belittling.

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introducing strict measures to prevent religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or marriage, sparking debate over constitutional rights and religious freedom.

Nashik court invokes Lord Krishna's birth to grant bail to Nida Khan in TCS case

Nashik court invokes Lord Krishna's birth to grant bail to Nida Khan in TCS case

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Nashik court granted bail to a pregnant Nida Khan, an accused in a TCS sexual harassment and alleged religious conversion case, citing the trauma of giving birth in prison. The court noted the investigation suggests Khan attempted to 'brainwash the victim' and change her religious views, but prioritised the welfare of the unborn child. Khan was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 75,000, while a Special Investigation Team probes nine related cases.

TCS rejects conversion, misconduct complaints at Nashik facility

TCS rejects conversion, misconduct complaints at Nashik facility

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

TCS has denied receiving any complaints of religious conversion or sexual misconduct at its Nashik unit through its internal channels, amid a police probe into the allegations. The company has announced an oversight panel and engaged external entities in its internal investigation.

RSS says stop religious conversion, enact law

RSS says stop religious conversion, enact law

Rediff.com30 Oct 2021

"There are people who get converted and do not disclose that they have converted. They take double benefits," RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said at a press conference."

TCS employee Nida Khan denied pre-arrest bail in conversion case

TCS employee Nida Khan denied pre-arrest bail in conversion case

Rediff.com2 May 2026

A court in Nashik rejected the anticipatory bail application of Nida Khan, an accused in a case related to alleged sexual harassment and forcible religious conversion at the Nashik unit of TCS.

How AIMIM Corporator Sheltered TCS Employee Accused Of Conversion

How AIMIM Corporator Sheltered TCS Employee Accused Of Conversion

Rediff.com8 May 2026

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

Karnataka govt is considering law to regulate religious conversion: Home minister

Karnataka govt is considering law to regulate religious conversion: Home minister

Rediff.com21 Sep 2021

Indulging in religious conversion with inducement or under pressure is an "unpardonable offence", the state home minister Araga Jnanendra said adding, it may also lead to disturbance of peace in the society.

Chargesheet Filed in Doctor Sexual Exploitation, Conversion Case in Lucknow

Chargesheet Filed in Doctor Sexual Exploitation, Conversion Case in Lucknow

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

A chargesheet has been filed against a former King George's Medical University resident and three others for the alleged sexual exploitation and religious conversion of a female doctor in Lucknow.

SC dismisses PIL seeking steps to control religious conversions

SC dismisses PIL seeking steps to control religious conversions

Rediff.com9 Apr 2021

A bench of Justices R F Nariman, B R Gavai and Hrishikesh Roy told senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayana, appearing for petitioner advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, "What kind of writ petition is this under Article 32. We will impose a heavy cost on you. You argue on your own risk."

'Gravely concerning': Tata on harassment, conversion charges at TCS Nashik

'Gravely concerning': Tata on harassment, conversion charges at TCS Nashik

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran has addressed the sexual harassment allegations at TCS Nashik, calling them 'gravely concerning' and announcing a thorough investigation led by a senior executive. The investigation follows complaints from eight female employees alleging sexual harassment and forced religious conversion.

Mirzapur Police Nab Two More in Gym Conversion Case

Mirzapur Police Nab Two More in Gym Conversion Case

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Police in Mirzapur have arrested two more individuals, including a wanted suspect with a reward, in connection with an illegal religious conversion racket allegedly operating under the guise of gymnasiums. This brings the total number of arrests in the case to ten.

Maha tables stricter anti-conversion Bill, proposes 7-year jail term

Maha tables stricter anti-conversion Bill, proposes 7-year jail term

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which aims to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, or marriage, with stringent penalties for violations.

Chhattisgarh tribal family reconverts to faith after eviction

Chhattisgarh tribal family reconverts to faith after eviction

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A tribal family in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district was briefly evicted from their village by residents over alleged religious conversion but was allowed to return after agreeing to reconvert to their original faith. Police and district officials intervened to resolve the dispute.

VHP bars Muslims from garba, dandiya; issues Aadhaar, tilak guidelines

VHP bars Muslims from garba, dandiya; issues Aadhaar, tilak guidelines

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced that Muslims will be barred from participating in 'garba' and 'dandiya' events during the upcoming Navratri festival in Maharashtra. The organisation has also issued guidelines for organisers, including checking Aadhaar cards and applying 'tilak' to verify Hindu identity, citing the religious nature of the festival.

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in Lucknow alleging illegal religious conversion activities at King George's Medical University (KGMU), following the arrest of a KGMU intern in a rape and blackmail case. The VHP demanded swift action against those involved, claiming an organized attempt at religious conversion.

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Ministry of Home Affairs informed a Joint Committee of Parliament that the number of active NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has halved over the last decade, even as foreign funds received by them have significantly increased. Christian associations received the largest share of these funds in 2024-25. The report comes amidst discussions on a contentious FCRA amendment bill aimed at tighter government oversight.

New rules heavily restrict religious conversion in Haryana

New rules heavily restrict religious conversion in Haryana

Rediff.com20 Dec 2022

The state assembly had passed the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill in March this year.

Converted voluntarily, won't return to Hinduism: Ayush alias Mohammad Ali

Converted voluntarily, won't return to Hinduism: Ayush alias Mohammad Ali

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A religious conversion case in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, has led to a police investigation and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). A man, Ayush Malik alias Mohammad Ali, claims he voluntarily converted to Islam, while his father alleges illegal conversion and forgery. Authorities have heightened security in the area as the probe continues and arrests have been made.

Police Hunt For TCS Employee Over Conversion Claims

Police Hunt For TCS Employee Over Conversion Claims

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Police are searching for a TCS employee, Nida Khan, in connection with alleged forced conversions at the company's Nashik unit. This follows allegations of sexual harassment and religious coercion at the TCS facility, where several arrests have already been made.

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered probes into multiple allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at a Spanish multinational in Pune, a government-run ITI in Solapur, and a TCS unit in Nashik. The CM highlighted a pattern of such incidents in corporate firms and suggested forming a panel of women legislators to review existing laws and recommend improvements.

SIT Submits Second Chargesheet In TCS Conversion Case

SIT Submits Second Chargesheet In TCS Conversion Case

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the TCS sexual harassment-forced conversion case filed its second chargesheet in a Nashik court on Thursday. The chargesheet pertains to eight FIRs registered at Mumbai Naka police station here under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions against several individuals.

Anti-religious conversion bill passed in Rajasthan

Anti-religious conversion bill passed in Rajasthan

Rediff.com20 Mar 2008

The Rajasthan Dharma Swatantraya Bill, 2008, reintroduced by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje last week, prohibits conversion by use of force, allurement or fradulent means. It was passed by voice vote, even as Congress, Communist Party of India-Marxist and Lok Janshakti Party Legislative Assembly members demanded that it be referred to a select committee.

'Nothing wrong if a Muslim...': Amruta Fadnavis differs with VHP

'Nothing wrong if a Muslim...': Amruta Fadnavis differs with VHP

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has stated that festivals like Navratri are inclusive and there is nothing wrong with Muslim individuals attending the celebrations, despite the Vishva Hindu Parishad's call to bar Muslims from such events and BJP leader Nitesh Rane's support for the ban.

Search On For Missing Lucknow Woman After Abduction Claim

Search On For Missing Lucknow Woman After Abduction Claim

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Lucknow police are searching for a 21-year-old woman whose father filed an FIR alleging she was forcibly taken away by an acquaintance. While the father initially mentioned conversion, police clarified that the complaint does not include religious conversion allegations, dismissing social media rumours.

UP Man, Parents Face Charges Over Forced Conversion, Marriage

UP Man, Parents Face Charges Over Forced Conversion, Marriage

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A married man and his parents have been booked for allegedly abducting a girl student from Kolkata, forcing her to convert to another religion, and then marrying her, a senior police officer said on Friday.

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.

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.

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.

'Give priority to Hindus in jobs': Maha min flags 'corporate jihad'

'Give priority to Hindus in jobs': Maha min flags 'corporate jihad'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane sparks controversy by alleging 'corporate jihad' and urging companies to prioritise hiring Hindu candidates to combat perceived religious conversion efforts.

UP conversion racket mastermind nabbed before fleeing to Dubai

UP conversion racket mastermind nabbed before fleeing to Dubai

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

The alleged mastermind of an organized gang involved in sexual exploitation, religious conversion, and blackmailing in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur district was arrested at Delhi's IGI airport while attempting to flee abroad.

Why no norms to stop religious conversions in schools: HC to TN govt

Why no norms to stop religious conversions in schools: HC to TN govt

Rediff.com5 May 2022

A division bench of Justices R Mahadevan and S Ananthi made an oral observation to this effect when a PIL petition from city-based advocate B Jagannath came up for hearing, on Thursday.

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and 12 states on a PIL challenging the validity of their anti-conversion laws. The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) filed the PIL, seeking a stay on the operation of these laws.

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed concerns about population imbalance, citing religious conversion, infiltration, and low birth rates as key factors. He advocated for 'ghar wapasi' and vigilance against infiltrators, while also emphasizing the importance of family and employment.

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.

RSS seeks Central law to ban religious conversion

RSS seeks Central law to ban religious conversion

Rediff.com22 Oct 2008

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Wednesday accused the Biju Janata Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party government in Orissa of working under "pressure" from missionary elements and the Centre to protect real "killers" of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Laxmanananda Saraswati and demanded a central law to ban religious conversion.