SC Plea Seeks Action on Forced Conversions in Nashik MNC Case

Upadhyay Files Petition Over TCS Harassment Claims

It has been moved in backdrop of allegations of sexual harassment and fraudulent religious conversion levelled against the eight female employees working with the TCS office in Nashik. Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay is the lawyer who moved this petition in SC.
"The organised religious conversion in Nasik has shaken the conscience of citizens throughout the country. Therefore, petitioner is filing this application for direction seeking certain directions and declarations to control deceitful religious conversion," the plea said.

Links Conversions to UAPA Terror Provisions

It has pleaded that offense of forced conversion when conducted as part of the systematic, organized and coercive drive falls under "terrorist act" as envisaged under section 113 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
"Forceful/deceitful religious conversion is not an isolated religious act but a systematic conspiracy often funded by foreign entities to alter the demographic balance and thereby threaten the unity, integrity and security of India. Due to this, it falls under the ambit of a terrorist act as defined under Section 15 by UAPA [Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967]," the plea said.

SC Urged to End Fraudulent Conversions via Article 25

The Centre and State have also sought directions to form special courts to deal with religious conversion cases and declare punishment in cases of deceitful religious conversion must be consecutive, not concurrent.
Freedom of religion cannot imply the right to convert another person by fraud, force, coercion, and cheating, it said. Article 25, gives freedom of conscience, profession, practice and propagation of religion subject to public order, morality and health.

8 Arrested in Religious Conversion Allegations

At least 12 female employees have been embroiled in various complaints about religious, sexual and mental harassment across the last two months, and 8 persons have been arrested till date according to Nashik Police. The accused allegedly victimized young women and provided jobs and incentives and targeted them sexually. There are reports that 9 women have lodged FIRs and that men sexually harassing female employees make derogatory remarks about the Hindu religion and Hindu Gods and Goddesses, and the personal and married life of victim employees.