Karnal, Aug. 12 -- Citing the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act and Rules, 2022, Panipat deputy commissioner (DC) Virender Kumar Dahiya said on Monday that any person intending to convert religion will have to submit a declaration in Form 'A' to his office before conversion. "In case of minors, both surviving parents are required to submit a declaration in Form 'B'. Additionally, any religious priest or person organising a conversion ceremony has to give prior notice in Form 'C' to the DC office where conversion is planned," an official statement read. Further, the DC said that the Act provides that within thirty days of display of the notice, any person may lodge objections in writing and on receipt of such objections, there is a power to conduct thorough verification and investigation as per the rules. "If after probe, any violation of the Act, such as the use of force, fraud, or coercion is found, there is a power to refuse permission for conversion," he added. Dahiya also said that illegal conversion is punishable with imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of at least Rs.1 lakh. If a person conceals his religion to get married, he can be imprisoned for three to 10 years and fined at least Rs.3 lakh. He said the Act also provides that any marriage performed in violation of the provision of concealing one's religion for marriage shall be deemed void, while any child born from such a marriage shall be deemed legitimate and his property shall be inherited according to the inheritance laws of his parents.htc...