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Chhattisgarh tables anti-conversion bill, life term for mass conversions

 On Thursday, the government introduced the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak, 2026 (Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026) in the Assembly. The bill targets religious conversions done via force, inducement, fraud, or misrepresentation, proposing harsh punishments like life imprisonment for “mass conversions.” It replaces the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Adhiniyam, 1968, and was tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma. The new Bill, intended to replace the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Adhiniyam of 2003—originally adopted from Madhya Pradesh when the state was formed in 2000—was tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who oversees the Home portfolio. The government stated that the current law, which mainly requires notification to the district magistrate after conversions, is now insufficient due to evolving socio-economic conditions and progress in technology and communications. The proposed Bill seeks to ban conversions achieved via force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, misrepresentation, fraud, or marriage, including those facilitated through digital channels like social media and electronic messaging. It also prohibits any person from directly or indirectly promoting or conspiring to convert another individual using such unlawful methods. “Allurement” is defined to encompass monetary incentives, gifts, jobs, free education or medical services, promises of an improved lifestyle, or marriage, whereas “coercion” includes psychological pressure, physical force, threats, and even social ostracism. “Mass conversion” refers to the conversion of two or more individuals during a single incident. All violations under the proposed legislation will be cognisable and non-bailable. However, returning to one’s ancestral religion will not be considered conversion. The Bill imposes strict penal provisions. Violations in general may result in imprisonment of at least seven years, which can extend up to 10 years, plus a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh. For offenses against minors, women, individuals with mental disabilities, or members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes, the punishment can include 10 to 20 years in prison along with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh. Mass conversions could result in at least 10 years’ imprisonment, which may extend to life, accompanied by fines of ₹25 lakh or higher; repeat offenders may receive life imprisonment. Public servants convicted of the offense may face imprisonment of 10 to 20 years along with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh. The Bill further offers compensation of up to ₹10 lakh to victims of unlawful conversions, besides other penalties. As per the proposed legislation, those seeking conversion must file a declaration with the relevant authority, and religious functionaries performing the conversion must give prior notice. 

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Man shot dead in Haryana’s Nuh after fight over ‘controversial’ social media comment

 Police reported that a 55-year-old man named Khurshid, from Kherla village in Haryana’s Nuh district under Sadar Punhana police station limits, was allegedly shot and killed on Thursday after a social media dispute over a “controversial” remark. (ANI/Stock Photo). After the incident, the authorities have stationed a large contingent of police in the village. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation and urging villagers to stay peaceful. Police report that the deceased has been identified as Khurshid, a resident of Kherla in the Sadar Punhana police station area. The body is being stored in the Al Afia Hospital mortuary. Police have filed a case and launched an investigation. A senior police officer stated that multiple teams are carrying out raids to apprehend the suspects. Police say the dispute began with a small clash between children over a social media comment. It slowly intensified, with adults becoming involved. 

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Politics

Man shot dead in Haryana’s Nuh after fight over ‘controversial’ social media comment

 Police stated that a 55-year-old man was reportedly shot and killed in Kherla village, Nuh district, Haryana, on Thursday after a social media dispute over a “controversial” remark. The victim has been identified as Khurshid, a local resident of Kherla under the Sadar Punhana police station jurisdiction. (ANI/Stock Photo). After the incident, the authorities have stationed a large contingent of police in the village. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation and urging villagers to stay peaceful. Police report that the deceased has been identified as Khurshid, a resident of Kherla in the Sadar Punhana police station area. The body is being stored in the Al Afia Hospital mortuary. Police have filed a case and launched an investigation. A senior police officer stated that multiple teams are carrying out raids to apprehend the suspects. Police say the dispute began with a small clash between children over a social media comment. It slowly intensified, with adults becoming involved. 

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Politics

Man shot dead in Haryana’s Nuh after fight over ‘controversial’ social media comment

 Police stated that a 55-year-old man was reportedly shot and killed in Kherla village, Nuh district, Haryana, on Thursday after a social media dispute over a “controversial” remark. The victim has been identified as Khurshid, a local resident of Kherla under the Sadar Punhana police station jurisdiction. (ANI/Stock Photo). After the incident, the authorities have stationed a large contingent of police in the village. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation and urging villagers to stay peaceful. Police report that the deceased has been identified as Khurshid, a resident of Kherla in the Sadar Punhana police station area. The body is being stored in the Al Afia Hospital mortuary. Police have filed a case and launched an investigation. A senior police officer stated that multiple teams are carrying out raids to apprehend the suspects. Police say the dispute began with a small clash between children over a social media comment. It slowly intensified, with adults becoming involved. 

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Politics

Man shot dead in Haryana’s Nuh after fight over ‘controversial’ social media comment

 Police stated that a 55-year-old man was reportedly shot and killed in Kherla village, Nuh district, Haryana, on Thursday after a social media dispute over a “controversial” remark. The victim has been identified as Khurshid, a local resident of Kherla under the Sadar Punhana police station jurisdiction. (ANI/Stock Photo). After the incident, the authorities have stationed a large contingent of police in the village. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation and urging villagers to stay peaceful. Police report that the deceased has been identified as Khurshid, a resident of Kherla in the Sadar Punhana police station area. The body is being stored in the Al Afia Hospital mortuary. Police have filed a case and launched an investigation. A senior police officer stated that multiple teams are carrying out raids to apprehend the suspects. Police say the dispute began with a small clash between children over a social media comment. It slowly intensified, with adults becoming involved. 

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Politics

Man shot dead in Haryana’s Nuh after fight over ‘controversial’ social media comment

 Police stated that a 55-year-old man was reportedly shot and killed in Kherla village, Nuh district, Haryana, on Thursday after a social media dispute over a “controversial” remark. The victim has been identified as Khurshid, a local resident of Kherla under the Sadar Punhana police station jurisdiction. (ANI/Stock Photo). After the incident, the authorities have stationed a large contingent of police in the village. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation and urging villagers to stay peaceful. Police report that the deceased has been identified as Khurshid, a resident of Kherla in the Sadar Punhana police station area. The body is being stored in the Al Afia Hospital mortuary. Police have filed a case and launched an investigation. A senior police officer stated that multiple teams are carrying out raids to apprehend the suspects. Police say the dispute began with a small clash between children over a social media comment. It slowly intensified, with adults becoming involved. 

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Man shot dead in Haryana’s Nuh after fight over ‘controversial’ social media comment

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