TCS Nashik row: SC plea calls for treating forced conversions as terrorist acts

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking to classify forced religious conversions as a “terrorist act”, citing the ongoing controversy surrounding the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Nashik case.

The plea, filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, calls for stringent legal measures to curb coercive religious conversions across the country. It argues that such acts pose a threat to the nation’s unity, sovereignty, and integrity.

The petition has been submitted in connection with the broader TCS Nashik case, which has drawn national attention following allegations of sexual harassment, mental abuse, and attempts at forced religious conversion within a workplace.

According to the plea, forced or deceitful religious conversions carried out through organised networks should be treated as serious offences under laws dealing with national security. The petitioner has urged the court to issue directions to both the Centre and state governments to take strict preventive and punitive measures.

The plea also seeks the establishment of special courts to ensure faster investigation and trial in cases related to religious conversion, highlighting concerns over delays in the justice process.

The development comes as the TCS Nashik case continues to unfold. Multiple FIRs have been registered based on complaints by employees alleging a pattern of harassment and coercion, including pressure related to religious practices. Investigators have indicated that the accused may have operated in a coordinated manner within the workplace.

Authorities are currently probing the allegations, with several arrests made and additional agencies examining the case for possible wider links. The matter has also triggered political reactions and public protests, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations.

The Supreme Court is yet to take up the plea for hearing. The case is expected to add to the ongoing legal and political debate around religious conversion laws and their enforcement in India.