A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court, saying the case of a conversion racket at the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) BPO facility in Maharashtra’s Nashik has “shaken the conscience of the nation” and that such acts fall within the ambit of a “terrorist act”. The plea sought directions from the Centre and states to take stringent steps to curb unlawful conversions.
Filed in an ongoing suo motu (on its own motion) case concerning conversions, the plea contends that the TCS Nashik case is not an isolated incident but part of a larger, organised and coercive campaign. The petitioner’s counsel told the Supreme Court that “deceitful and forceful religious conversion” constitutes a serious threat to the country’s unity and security.
The plea argues that when conversions are executed through a structured network using coercion or inducement, they amount to a “systematic conspiracy,” often allegedly funded by foreign entities to alter India’s demographic balance.
Such activities, the plea states, endanger the nation’s integrity and therefore warrant being treated under laws dealing with terrorism.
Citing constitutional provisions, the petition underscores that the right to freedom of religion is not absolute and remains subject to public order, morality and health.
The petitioner sought directions from the Centre and states to take stringent steps to curb unlawful conversions. It has also urged the court to mandate the establishment of special courts to exclusively deal with cases related to conversion, ensuring faster investigation and trial.
WHY TCS NASHIK IS UNDER THE SCANNER?
The Nashik centre of the IT giant has come under intense scrutiny after a major scandal involving allegations of sexual abuse, mental harassment and religious coercion by employees triggered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
At least nine women employees have come forward, alleging a sustained pattern of workplace abuse dating back to 2022. Their complaints detail incidents of inappropriate touching, lewd remarks, stalking, intrusive questioning and repeated unwanted advances by multiple accused, with some FIRs also pointing to inaction by senior officials that allegedly enabled the misconduct.
Alongside sexual harassment, several complainants have accused colleagues of religious targeting and coercion, including derogatory remarks against Hindu deities, pressure to participate in religious practices and attempts at forced conversion. Some victims also alleged they were compelled to consume non-vegetarian food against their will, with FIRs indicating that both sexual and religious harassment often occurred simultaneously.
According to Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, the investigation revealed that seven male accused allegedly operated as an organised group within the workplace, targeting female employees. “The seven male staffers are co-accused in most of the cases, indicating they acted as a group,” he said.
Police have registered nine FIRs so far, including one by a male employee alleging religious harassment and attempted conversion. Eight accused – seven men and one woman – have been arrested, while HR manager Nida Khan remains absconding.
Amid the escalating row, operations at the TCS Nashik centre have been temporarily suspended, with employees directed to work from home until further notice.
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Published By:
Priya Pareek
Published On:
Apr 16, 2026 16:44 IST
