News for 'religious conversion'

'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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

UP conversion racket: 'Kashmiri girls brainwashed my daughters'

UP conversion racket: 'Kashmiri girls brainwashed my daughters'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The father of two sisters in Agra, whose missing persons complaint exposed an illegal religious conversion racket, claims his daughters were 'brainwashed' by some Kashmiri girls. Ten people have been arrested from six states in connection with the case.

UP: ED probes Chhangur Baba's Rs 106 cr conversion racket

UP: ED probes Chhangur Baba's Rs 106 cr conversion racket

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the assets and finances of Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of an illegal religious-conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh. The ED has written to various authorities and banks to gather information and is expected to seek custodial remand for questioning.

'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.'

Madras HC admits plea against forced religious conversion in schools

Madras HC admits plea against forced religious conversion in schools

Rediff.com6 May 2022

A vacation bench of the Madras high court on Friday admitted a public interest litigation plea to stop forcible conversion of students in schools and ordered notice to the Tamil Nadu government, returnable in four weeks.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

'What? There are Jews in Iran?!'

'What? There are Jews in Iran?!'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Jews are very much safe in Iran. They are our brothers. There is a difference between a Jew and a Zionist.' A conversation around a tea table in Mumbai serves as an eye-opener for Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Probe ordered into religious conversion of kids at MP care centre

Probe ordered into religious conversion of kids at MP care centre

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

During the inspection of the child care centre in Raisen (on Saturday), it has come to light that its manager changed the religion of three children and their names are also changed, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairperson Priyank Kanoongo said in a tweet.

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Rediff.com5 days ago

The three principles he taught in particular -- Ahimsa, Anekantavada and Aparigraha -- are as alive and necessary today as they were then. Perhaps more so.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

All along, we were told SIR was an essential exercise carried out as part of the Election Commission's regular duties. But now that the ideological mentor of the ruling party has declared that SIR is a means of detecting infiltrators, one understands the unseemly haste with which it is being carried out, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Mohan Bhagwat calls for Hindu unity, backs three-child norm

Mohan Bhagwat calls for Hindu unity, backs three-child norm

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the need for Hindu unity, vigilance, and social harmony, advocating for family values and addressing concerns about infiltration and social divisions.

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.

SC to slate final hearing of pleas against Places of Worship Act

SC to slate final hearing of pleas against Places of Worship Act

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to list for final hearing the pleas challenging the validity of certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

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.'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'The BJP is keeping its options open and that the final decision is still tightly held.' 'That is consistent with the party's tendency to preserve suspense, avoid premature factional conflict, and use leadership selection as a way of resetting internal hierarchies.'

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.

Sudipto Sen On Vipul Shah's Kerala Story Sequel Allegations

Sudipto Sen On Vipul Shah's Kerala Story Sequel Allegations

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'No one can wipe-off our glorious collaboration in The Kerala Story and Bastar, from Indian cinema.' 'When we create history and are scrutiniSed in public, we must be extremely responsible in our behaviour and conduct.'

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.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

48 killed in over 2,500 encounters in UP this year, highest in 8 years

48 killed in over 2,500 encounters in UP this year, highest in 8 years

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Uttar Pradesh Police data reveals a significant increase in the number of alleged criminals killed in encounters in 2025, along with details of actions against illegal religious conversions, cow smuggling, and property recoveries.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

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.