Panipat, Aug 12 — Citing provisions of the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act and Rules, 2022, Deputy Commissioner Virender Kumar Dahiya on Monday said that anyone intending to change their religion must first submit a declaration in Form ‘A’ to his office before conversion.
For minors, both surviving parents must file a declaration in Form ‘B’. Any religious priest or person conducting a conversion ceremony must also give prior notice in Form ‘C’ to the DC office where the conversion is to take place. Receipts will be issued for all declarations to ensure formal documentation and transparency.
Under the Act, notices are displayed publicly for 30 days, during which written objections can be filed. “If objections are received, the administration can conduct verification and investigation. If it is found that the proposed conversion involves force, fraud, coercion or other prohibited means, permission can be refused with a detailed order,” Dahiya said.
He stressed that the objective is not to restrict religious freedom but to protect citizens from unlawful inducement. The Act prohibits conversions through misrepresentation, threat, undue influence, allurement, fraudulent means (including digital), or by or for the sake of marriage.
Violations carry strict penalties:
- Illegal conversion — 1 to 5 years’ imprisonment and a minimum ₹1 lakh fine.
- Concealing religion for marriage — 3 to 10 years’ imprisonment and at least ₹3 lakh fine; marriage deemed void, but children remain legitimate with inheritance rights.
- Converting a minor, woman, or person from SC/ST — 4 to 10 years’ imprisonment and at least ₹3 lakh fine.
- Mass conversion (more than two persons at a time) — 5 to 10 years’ imprisonment and minimum ₹4 lakh fine.
Dahiya said the Panipat administration is on “alert mode” to ensure the rules are followed and the law is effectively enforced.
