Latest news with #UttarakhandFreedomofReligion(Amendment)Bill
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Uttarakhand govt passes Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill
Taking a tough stand on illegal conversion, the Uttarakhand State Cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, under which strong provisions have been added for stringent penalties on illegal conversion, a ban on propaganda through digital media and protection of victims. The bill was passed during a meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The Bill includes punishment for marriage under false identity and incitement for conversion through social media, messaging apps or any online medium, among others. The bill has broadened the definition of inducement, which includes gifts, cash/goods benefits, employment, free education, promise of marriage, hurting religious sentiments or glorifying another religion, all of which are included in the category of crime. The bill has placed a ban on the use of digital means to spread propaganda or incitement for conversion through social media, messaging apps, or any online medium, which is punishable. Under the bill, strict punishment, up to 3 to 10 years for general violation, 5 to 14 years in cases related to sensitive sections, 20 years to life imprisonment in serious cases and a heavy fine are made. The bill has made provision for protection, rehabilitation, medical, travel and maintenance expenses of the victims. The state government said that this law will protect the religious rights of citizens, prevent conversion by fraud, inducement or pressure and maintain social harmony. Earlier, on Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of Yoga Park and other development works in Kedarpuram under Dehradun Municipal Corporation. On this occasion, he launched the AI chatbot 'Nigam Sarathi' and also unveiled the document of Green Policy. The Chief Minister planted a Rudraksha sapling under the name of Ek Ped Maa Naam, which was the one lakhth sapling planted this year under the Municipal Corporation area of Dehradun under the massive plantation campaign run by the government. In the programme, the Chief Minister also honoured the Swachhata Samman Senani and Tax Inspectors. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also administered a collective oath for de-addiction.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Uttarakhand passes stricter anti-conversion bill with heavy penalties, digital propaganda ban
Taking a tough stand on illegal conversion, the Uttarakhand State Cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, under which strong provisions have been added for stringent penalties on illegal conversion, a ban on propaganda through digital media and protection of victims. The bill was passed during a meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program The Bill includes punishment for marriage under false identity and incitement for conversion through social media, messaging apps or any online medium, among others. The bill has broadened the definition of inducement, which includes gifts, cash/goods benefits, employment, free education, promise of marriage, hurting religious sentiments or glorifying another religion, all of which are included in the category of crime. The bill has placed a ban on the use of digital means to spread propaganda or incitement for conversion through social media, messaging apps, or any online medium, which is punishable. Live Events Under the bill, strict punishment, up to 3 to 10 years for general violation, 5 to 14 years in cases related to sensitive sections, 20 years to life imprisonment in serious cases and a heavy fine are made. The bill has made provision for protection, rehabilitation, medical, travel and maintenance expenses of the victims. The state government said that this law will protect the religious rights of citizens, prevent conversion by fraud, inducement or pressure and maintain social harmony. Earlier, on Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of Yoga Park and other development works in Kedarpuram under Dehradun Municipal Corporation. On this occasion, he launched the AI chatbot 'Nigam Sarathi' and also unveiled the document of Green Policy. The Chief Minister planted a Rudraksha sapling under the name of Ek Ped Maa Naam, which was the one lakhth sapling planted this year under the Municipal Corporation area of Dehradun under the massive plantation campaign run by the government. In the programme, the Chief Minister also honoured the Swachhata Samman Senand Tax Inspectors. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also administered a collective oath for de-addiction.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Uttarakhand government passes Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], August 14 (ANI):Taking a tough stand on illegal conversion, the Uttarakhand State Cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, under which strong provisions have been added for stringent penalties on illegal conversion, a ban on propaganda through digital media and protection of victims. The bill was passed during a meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The Bill includes punishment for marriage under false identity and incitement for conversion through social media, messaging apps or any online medium, among others. The bill has broadened the definition of inducement, which includes gifts, cash/goods benefits, employment, free education, promise of marriage, hurting religious sentiments or glorifying another religion, all of which are included in the category of bill has placed a ban on the use of digital means to spread propaganda or incitement for conversion through social media, messaging apps, or any online medium, which is the bill, strict punishment, up to 3 to 10 years for general violation, 5 to 14 years in cases related to sensitive sections, 20 years to life imprisonment in serious cases and a heavy fine are made. The bill has made provision for protection, rehabilitation, medical, travel and maintenance expenses of the victims. The state government said that this law will protect the religious rights of citizens, prevent conversion by fraud, inducement or pressure and maintain social on Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of Yoga Park and other development works in Kedarpuram under Dehradun Municipal Corporation. On this occasion, he launched the AI chatbot 'Nigam Sarathi' and also unveiled the document of Green Chief Minister planted a Rudraksha sapling under the name of Ek Ped Maa Naam, which was the one lakhth sapling planted this year under the Municipal Corporation area of Dehradun under the massive plantation campaign run by the government. In the programme, the Chief Minister also honoured the Swachhata Samman Senani and Tax Inspectors. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also administered a collective oath for de-addiction. (ANI)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Life in jail, Rs 10L fine: Uttarakhand conversion bill gets stringent; allows property seizure, arrest without warrant
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod to a strict Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which provides for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and fine of up to Rs 10 lakh for "forced conversion", reports Kautilya Singh. The govt is likely to table the bill in the House for approval during the three-day monsoon session commencing on Aug 19. At present, the maximum jail term for such an offence is 10 years and the highest fine is Rs 50,000. The new bill proposes to raise the jail term to 14 years, and, in some cases, to 20 years which may even extend to life imprisonment. Arrests can be made without a warrant and the DM can seize properties acquired through crimes related to conversion. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said: "Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi and a place where saints through the ages came to meditate. In last few years, there have been instances of demographic changes under guise of illegal conversions. The proposed amendment is a major step to ensure that the social fabric of the state is not changed. Therefore, we have come up with stringent measures." Proposal: All offences under newprovisions shall be non-bailable As per the cabinet's proposal, "Whoever receives funds from foreign or (other) entities concerning unlawful religious conversion shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than seven years and which may extend up to 14 years, and shall also be liable to a fine not less than Rs 10 lakh." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hatibandha: New Container Houses – Take A Look At The Prices! Container homes | Search ads Learn More Undo It further states, "Whoever, with the intent to convert, instils fear for life or property, assaults or uses force, promises marriage or incites or conspires for such conversion, or traffics a minor woman or person or otherwise sells them, or attempts or conspires for this purpose, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years and which may extend to life imprisonment, meaning imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, and shall also be liable to a fine. " According to the new provisions, concealing religion for marriage is a crime, and offenders could face three to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs 3 lakh. On "mass conversion", the document says it will attract imprisonment of not less than seven years and up to 14 years, and shall be liable to a fine not less than Rs 1 lakh. Concerning "a minor, woman or a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, or a disabled or mentally challenged person", the punishment shall be imprisonment not less than five years, which may extend up to 14 years and liable to a fine not less than Rs 1 lakh. For general cases, the jail term would range from three years to 10 years and a fine of Rs 50,000. All offences under the new provisions shall be cognizable and non-bailable and triable by a sessions court. Arrests can be made without a warrant and bail will only be granted if the court is convinced the accused is not guilty and will not repeat the offence. As per the proposal, if any property is acquired through crimes related to conversion, the DM can seize it. The provision mentions: "If the district magistrate has reason to believe that any property in possession of a person, whether movable or immovable, was acquired as a result of an offence under this Act, they may order the seizure of such property, regardless of whether a court has taken cognisance of such offence. "Provisions of the Indian Civil Protection Code shall apply to every such seizure, with necessary modifications. The district magistrate may appoint an administrator for any property seized under subsection (1) and the administrator shall have all powers to manage it in the best interest of such property. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Life in jail, Rs 10 lakh fine: Uttarakhand conversion bill gets stringent
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod to a strict Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which provides for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and fine of up to Rs 10 lakh for "forced conversion". The govt is likely to table the bill in the House, where they have a strong majority, for approval during the three-day monsoon session of assembly commencing on Aug 19. At present, the maximum jail term for such an offence is 10 years and the highest fine is Rs 50,000. The new bill proposes to raise the jail term to 14 years, and, in some cases, to 20 years which may even extend to life imprisonment. Arrests can be made without a warrant and the DM can seize properties acquired through crimes related to conversion. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami told TOI on Wednesday hours after the cabinet decision: "Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi (the land of Gods) and a place where holy saints through the ages came and meditated. In the last few years, there have been instances of demographic changes under the guise of illegal conversions. The proposed amendment is a major step on our part to ensure that the social fabric of the Himalayan state is not changed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Therefore, we have come up with stringent measures to check the illegal practice." Proposal: All offences under new provisions shall be non-bailable According to the cabinet's proposal, "Whoever receives funds from foreign or (other) entities concerning unlawful religious conversion shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than seven years and which may extend up to 14 years, and shall also be liable to a fine not less than Rs 10 lakh." It further states, "Whoever, with the intent to convert, instils fear for life or property, assaults or uses force, promises marriage or incites or conspires for such conversion, or traffics a minor woman or person or otherwise sells them, or attempts or conspires for this purpose, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years and which may extend to life imprisonment, meaning imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, and shall also be liable to a fine. " As per the new provisions, concealing religion for marriage is a crime, and offenders could face three to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs 3 lakh. On "mass conversion", the document says it will attract imprisonment of not less than seven years and up to 14 years, and shall be liable to a fine not less than Rs 1 lakh. Concerning "a minor, woman or a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, or a disabled or mentally challenged person", the punishment shall be imprisonment not less than five years, which may extend up to 14 years and liable to a fine not less than Rs 1 lakh. For general cases, the jail term would range from three years to 10 years and a fine of Rs 50,000. All offences under the new provisions shall be cognizable and non-bailable and triable by a sessions court. Arrests can be made without a warrant and bail will only be granted if the court is convinced the accused is not guilty and will not repeat the offence. As per the proposal, if any property is acquired through crimes related to conversion, the DM can seize it. The provision mentions: "If the DM has reason to believe that any property in possession of a person, whether movable or immovable, was acquired as a result of an offence under this Act, they may order the seizure of such property, regardless of whether a court has taken cognisance of such offence. "Provisions of the Indian Civil Protection Code shall apply to every such seizure, with necessary modifications. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Code, the district magistrate may appoint an administrator for any property seized under subsection (1) and the administrator shall have all powers to manage it in the best interest of such property. The district magistrate may arrange for police assistance for the proper and effective management of such property by the administrator. " The amendment has also redefined "inducement", which now means and includes offering any of the following: "Any gift, gratification, easy money, or material benefit in cash or kind. Employment, free education in a school or college run by a religious institution, or a promise to marry or a better lifestyle, divine displeasure or otherwise. Portraying the practices, rituals and ceremonies of one religion in a harmful manner concerning another religion, or glorifying one religion against another. "
