On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (April 2) were trading around 1 per cent, or Rs 1,313, lower at Rs 1,51,712, hitting an intraday low at around 10:22 am. Similarly, silver futures (May 5) declined to Rs 2,43,083, down 2 per cent or Rs 5,111.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
Oil and gas prices have risen sharply after fresh strikes hit energy infrastructure in the Middle East, including Qatar's main gas facility. Gas prices jumped by about 25% on wholesale markets in the UK and Europe in early trading, before easing slightly
So far in 2026, more than 35,000 job cuts have been reported across over 50 companies, according to layoffs tracker Layoffs.fyi. HSBC Holdings Plc is evaluating a fresh round of deep job cuts that could impact as many as 20,000 roles over the coming years
GATE Result 2026 declared at gate2026.iitg.ac.in, direct link to check here Published on: Mar 19, 2026 3:06 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati has declared GATE Result 2026
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said only those who haven’t completed the eKYC process need to act; existing compliant users, especially under the PM Ujjwala Yojana, are not required to update their KYC frequently. LPG consumers may need to complete the Aadhaar-based authentication
Chhattisgarh tables anti-conversion bill, life term for mass conversions
Chhattisgarh tables anti-conversion bill, life term for mass conversions
Chhattisgarh tables anti-conversion bill, life term for mass conversions
Chhattisgarh govt tables anti-conversion Bill with life term for mass conversion, defines allurement, coercion, and mandates prior declaration
Published on: Mar 19, 2026 5:51 PM IST By Ritesh Mishra, Raipur Share via Copy link The government on Thursday tabled the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak, 2026 (Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026) in the Assembly, which aims to curb religious conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraud or misrepresentation, and proposes stringent penalties, including life imprisonment in cases of “mass conversion”. The new Bill, which seeks to replace the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Adhiniyam, 1968 was introduced by deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, The new Bill, which seeks to replace the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Adhiniyam, 1968—adopted from Madhya Pradesh at the time of the state’s formation in 2000—was introduced by deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the Home portfolio. The government said the existing law—limited largely to post-conversion intimation to the district magistrate—has become inadequate in view of changing socio-economic conditions and advancements in technology and communication. The new Bill aims to prohibit conversions carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, misrepresentation, fraudulent means, or marriage, including through digital platforms such as social media and electronic communication. It also bars any person from directly or indirectly promoting or conspiring to convert another person through such illegal means. “Allurement” has been defined to include monetary benefits, gifts, employment, free education or medical facilities, promises of a better lifestyle, or marriage, while “coercion” includes psychological pressure, physical force, threats and even social boycott. “Mass conversion” is defined as the conversion of two or more persons in a single event. All offences under the proposed law will be cognisable and non-bailable. However, reconversion to one’s ancestral religion will not be treated as conversion. The Bill prescribes stringent penal provisions. General violations may attract imprisonment of not less than seven years, extendable to 10 years, along with a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh. In cases involving minors, women, persons with mental disabilities, or members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes or Other Backward Classes, punishment may range from 10 to 20 years’ imprisonment with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh. Mass conversions may invite imprisonment of not less than 10 years, extendable to life, with fines of ₹25 lakh or more, while repeat offenders may face life imprisonment. Public servants found guilty may be punished with imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years and a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh. The Bill also provides for compensation to victims of illegal conversion of up to ₹10 lakh, in addition to other penalties. Under the proposed law, individuals intending to convert must submit a declaration to the competent authority, while religious functionaries conducting the conversion must also provide prior intimation. The competent authority—defined as the district magistrate or an officer not below the rank of additional DM—will publish details of the proposed conversion on an official website within seven days and display notices at the tehsildar’s office, gram panchayat and local police station. The notice will include the applicant’s name, current religion and proposed religion. Conversion certificates issued under the Act will not serve as proof of citizenship or identity, and applications will lapse if the conversion is not carried out within 90 days. The Bill further states that conversion solely for the purpose of marriage, or marriage undertaken for conversion, will be treated as invalid unless due legal procedures are followed, and marriage alone will not be deemed sufficient for religious conversion. It also prohibits actions that endanger life or property for the purpose of conversion or involve trafficking of minors or women, and empowers authorities to verify conversions, investigate complaints, summon records, and restrict the acceptance of foreign or domestic funds used to violate the Act. The state may also withdraw financial or infrastructural assistance from violators. Investigations will be conducted by police officers not below the rank of sub-inspector, and cases will be tried in designated special courts to be notified by the state government in consultation with the High Court. Proceedings, as far as possible, are to be completed within six months of submission of the final report. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ritesh Mishra State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh. Reports Maoism, Politics, Mining and important developments from the state. Covered all sorts of extremism in Central India. Reported from Madhya Pradesh for eight years.Read More Check India news real-time updates, latest news from India, latest at HindustanTime News / India News / Chhattisgarh Tables Anti-conversion Bill, Life Term For Mass Conversions See LessThe government on Thursday tabled the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak, 2026 (Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026) in the Assembly, which aims to curb religious conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraud or misrepresentation, and proposes stringent penalties, including life imprisonment in cases of “mass conversion”.
The new Bill, which seeks to replace the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Adhiniyam, 1968—adopted from Madhya Pradesh at the time of the state’s formation in 2000—was introduced by deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the Home portfolio.
The government said the existing law—limited largely to post-conversion intimation to the district magistrate—has become inadequate in view of changing socio-economic conditions and advancements in technology and communication.
The new Bill aims to prohibit conversions carried out through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, misrepresentation, fraudulent means, or marriage, including through digital platforms such as social media and electronic communication. It also bars any person from directly or indirectly promoting or conspiring to convert another person through such illegal means.
“Allurement” has been defined to include monetary benefits, gifts, employment, free education or medical facilities, promises of a better lifestyle, or marriage, while “coercion” includes psychological pressure, physical force, threats and even social boycott. “Mass conversion” is defined as the conversion of two or more persons in a single event.
All offences under the proposed law will be cognisable and non-bailable. However, reconversion to one’s ancestral religion will not be treated as conversion.
The Bill prescribes stringent penal provisions. General violations may attract imprisonment of not less than seven years, extendable to 10 years, along with a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh. In cases involving minors, women, persons with mental disabilities, or members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes or Other Backward Classes, punishment may range from 10 to 20 years’ imprisonment with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.
Mass conversions may invite imprisonment of not less than 10 years, extendable to life, with fines of ₹25 lakh or more, while repeat offenders may face life imprisonment. Public servants found guilty may be punished with imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years and a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.
The Bill also provides for compensation to victims of illegal conversion of up to ₹10 lakh, in addition to other penalties.
Under the proposed law, individuals intending to convert must submit a declaration to the competent authority, while religious functionaries conducting the conversion must also provide prior intimation. The competent authority—defined as the district magistrate or an officer not below the rank of additional DM—will publish details of the proposed conversion on an official website within seven days and display notices at the tehsildar’s office, gram panchayat and local police station.
The notice will include the applicant’s name, current religion and proposed religion. Conversion certificates issued under the Act will not serve as proof of citizenship or identity, and applications will lapse if the conversion is not carried out within 90 days.
The Bill further states that conversion solely for the purpose of marriage, or marriage undertaken for conversion, will be treated as invalid unless due legal procedures are followed, and marriage alone will not be deemed sufficient for religious conversion.
It also prohibits actions that endanger life or property for the purpose of conversion or involve trafficking of minors or women, and empowers authorities to verify conversions, investigate complaints, summon records, and restrict the acceptance of foreign or domestic funds used to violate the Act. The state may also withdraw financial or infrastructural assistance from violators.
Investigations will be conducted by police officers not below the rank of sub-inspector, and cases will be tried in designated special courts to be notified by the state government in consultation with the High Court. Proceedings, as far as possible, are to be completed within six months of submission of the final report.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Maharashtra Cabinet clears draft anti-conversion bill proposing 7-year jail term Rajasthan Assembly's Stringent Anti-Conversion Bill Explained Rajasthan passes anti-conversion bill with life imprisonment Maharashtra Assembly clears anti-conversion bill amid split in opposition Assam tables anti-polygamy bill Centre Tables Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill To Overhaul Higher Education Maha Govt Tables Bill To Address Concerns Over Conveyance Deeds For New Proj Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion law cannot be a tool to harass innocent persons Two Christian missionaries booked in Kota under new anti-conversion law 5 Muslim girls booked under anti-conversion law for allegedly forcing Hindu friend to wear burqa
For Gudi Padwa 2026, actress Isha Koppikar has shared that she is focusing on teaching her daughter, Rianna, the core values behind the festival rather than just the rituals. New Delhi: As the country celebrates Gudi Padwa today, actress Isha Koppikar reflected on how she marks the festival
3 minutes ago
IMD issued a widespread alert for rain and thunderstorms across Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, and Central India starting today, March 18, 2026. Heavy snowfall is predicted for Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. A much-needed respite from the rising March temperatures is on the horizon
3 minutes ago
Ishan Kishan has been appointed stand-in captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2026, with opener Abhishek Sharma named his deputy. The India wicketkeeper-batter will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is currently recovering from a back injury that also ruled him
3 minutes ago
rajresults-nic-in, Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 10th Results 2026 Date And Time Live: The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) is expected to declare the results for the class 10th board examination soon. According to media reports, the results could be released on March 20, 2026
3 minutes ago
Chhattisgarh tables anti-conversion bill, life term for mass conversionsChhattisgarh govt tables anti-conversion Bill with life term for mass conversion, defines allurement, coercion, and mandates prior declaration Published on: Mar 19, 2026 5:51 PM IST By Ritesh Mishra
3 minutes ago
Dhurandhar The Revenge actor Danish Iqbal says he didn’t know he was Bade Sahab: ‘Aditya Dhar was so secretive’Danish Iqbal, who plays Bade Sahab in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, revealed that he was initially unaware of his character's identity. Mar 19, 2026
3 minutes ago
The funding aims to provide direct price support to cotton farmers across the country. New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved minimum support price (MSP) funding of Rs 1,718
3 minutes ago
Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag stated Sanju Samson's departure cannot be filled. Parag, now captain, emphasized better planning and finishing close games for the upcoming season. He thanked the franchise for their support. Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara backed Parag
3 minutes ago
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared assets exceeding one crore rupees. His nomination papers reveal movable and immovable properties. His wife also declared significant assets. Vijayan faces six cases, including one under the Prevention of Corruption Act and an Enforcement
3 minutes ago
Ukraine’s embassy in Delhi on Thursday expressed concern about the arrest of six Ukrainians in the country under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, claiming that the circumstances in the case suggest that it may be “orchestrated and politically motivated”
3 minutes ago
Manchester United's fans won't have a chance to see JJ Gabriel in Premier League action at Old Trafford this season, so a good proportion of the 2,516 who saw him feature in the 3-2 FA Youth Cup win over Sunderland made sure they got their selfies
3 minutes ago
For the first time since the league's inception in 2008, Kohli enters the IPL as a one format international player. Batting maestro Virat Kohli has arrived in Bengaluru to join the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp, marking the beginning of a unique chapter in his storied career
3 minutes ago
The Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam released its list of candidates on Thursday for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. The party has fielded Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from the Jalukbari seat, which he has represented since 2001. Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi
3 minutes ago
With seven medals, including five golds, at the recent Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi, it is hard to believe Kurian Jacob took up swimming seriously at 70. “I might have started swimming before I started walking,” says Kurian who competed in the 75-79 years old category.With seven medals
3 minutes ago
The liver is a remarkably resilient organ. It absorbs stress quietly, adapts silently, and continues to function, even when damage has already begun. This is precisely why liver diseases are often detected late. Sometimes, liver care doctors come across patients whose blood tests look normal
3 minutes ago
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released its second list of 39 candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly Elections. With this, the party has so far announced the names of a total of 86 candidates. The party has fielded former state BJP president and former Mizoram governor Kummanam
3 minutes ago
Chaitra Navratri 2026 day 2 wishes: Share these heartfelt wishes, messages, images, and quotes with your loved ones on the second day of Chaitra Navratri. Om Brahmacharinyai Namah! Chaitra Navratri 2026 day 2 wishes: The second day of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini
3 minutes ago
If there’s one thing Indian television never shies away from, it’s going all in—on drama, imagination, and moments that blur the line between the unexpected and the unforgettable. And now, a scene from Naagin 7 has taken that reputation to a whole new level
3 minutes ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed alarm over the "arbitrary removal of more than 50 senior officials" in the poll-bound state, calling it "political interference of the highest order." She alleged the Election Commission's actions amounted to "systematic politicisation of
3 minutes ago
The decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title is "abject" and "we have to denounce it", a senior figure at African football's governing body has said. Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in January's final but the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result on Tuesday
3 minutes ago
Most factories in Morbi, India's ceramics hub in the western state of Gujarat, have shut down for nearly a month due to gas shortages triggered by the Iran war, according to the local manufacturers' association. Morbi produces about 80% of India's ceramics - mainly tiles and sanitaryware - and
3 minutes ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Best oven toaster grills for Indian homes: Top 7 OTG picks for baking, grilling, toasting and moreOven toaster grills are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for baking
3 minutes ago
Delhi Capitals revealed their new jersey for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The design reflects the team's tiger spirit. For the first time, both men's and women's team captains are featured together. The franchise also appointed John Mooney as its new fielding coach
3 minutes ago
AFCON final controversy: CAF chief defends Morocco title decision amid Senegal corruption probe call Published on: Mar 19, 2026 6:10 PM IST Written by Neelav Chakravarti Share via Copy link CAF President Patrice Motsepe stands next to Senegal's Sadio Mane with the Man of the Competition award after
3 minutes ago
Why Did Share Market Fall Today? Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty fell sharply by over 3 percent on Thursday, snapping a three-day rally, as rising crude oil prices and weak global cues weighed on sentiment. The Sensex dropped 2,496.89 points, or 3.26 percent, to close at 74,207.24
3 minutes ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Ceiling fans for home: Top 7 options that fit different room needsPlanning to upgrade cooling this summer 2026? These ceiling fans for the home offer steady airflow, lower power use
3 minutes ago
US President Donald Trump has threatened to blow up a major gas field in Iran if it attacks the US's Gulf Arab ally Qatar again. Trump's threat came after a day in which Israel hit Iran's South Pars - part of the world's largest natural gas field
3 minutes ago
