Allahabad High Court Upholds FIR Against Students Under UP Anti-Conversion Law
The Allahabad High Court has taken a firm stance against what it describes as a disturbing trend among young people attempting to impose their religious beliefs on others. In a significant ruling, the court refused to quash an FIR filed against two Class XII students from Moradabad, who are accused of violating the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.
Court's Stern Observation on Youth Behavior
A division bench comprising Justice JJ Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena delivered the judgment on Thursday, dismissing a writ petition filed by the accused students, Aleena and Shabiya. The bench expressed deep concern over the alleged actions, stating that this is precisely the type of behavior the 2021 law was enacted to prevent.
The court emphasized that young people should focus on skill development and national service rather than engaging in religious coercion. "If this trend is prevalent among young people, it is all the more disturbing," the bench observed. "This is the time when they should be thinking more towards developing their skills in different fields and dedicate themselves to the service of society and nation."
Details of the Alleged Incident
The case originated from an FIR lodged by the brother of a Class XII student, who alleged that his sister was compelled by five Muslim classmates, including the petitioners, at a tuition center in Moradabad. The accusations include:
- Forcing the victim to wear a veil (burqa) in December 2025
- Attempting to convert her to Islam through persistent persuasion
- Bringing non-vegetarian food and pressuring her to consume it
- Allegedly brainwashing her to the point where she lost her ability to think independently
According to the victim's statements recorded under sections 180 and 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the accused students repeatedly told her that their religion was good, that the Quran could be read in 40 days, and that wearing a burqa offered freedom to go anywhere.
Investigation Findings and Legal Arguments
The court noted that the investigation has gathered substantial material, including CCTV footage that allegedly shows the victim being forced to wear the veil by the petitioners and other co-accused. This evidence, according to the bench, prima facie discloses details that warrant a thorough investigation.
The defense counsel for the accused argued that the FIR contained general and omnibus allegations of conversion and was actually a counterblast to a complaint filed by one of the accused against the informant for stalking and harassment. It was also pointed out that Shabiya, an 18-year-old girl, was preparing for her Class XII examinations and the FIR was affecting her ability to concentrate on studies.
Court's Final Ruling
Rejecting these arguments, the court stated that the 2021 law was enacted to curtail an emergent mischief and the same cannot be subverted by snuffing out prosecutions brought on tangible materials at the threshold. The bench added that whether the petitioners' acts constitute allurement or undue influence punishable under the 2021 Act is a question premature to be examined in a petition to quash the FIR.
The court's decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to allowing proper investigation processes to proceed when there appears to be credible evidence of violations under the state's anti-conversion legislation.
