Allahabad High Court Denies Bail in Forced Conversion, Exploitation Case

The Allahabad High Court rejected a bail plea in a case involving forced conversion and sexual exploitation, emphasizing that religious freedom does not imply the collective right to convert others. The court cited evidence and statements indicating pressure to convert, violating the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

On Tuesday, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a bail plea for a man accused of forcing a girl to convert to Islam and sexually exploiting her. The court emphasized that religious freedom does not equate to the collective right to convert others.

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal cited the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, stressing that the Act aims to safeguard individual religious freedom and maintain India's secular fabric. The petitioner, Azeem, faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the 2021 Act.

The court reviewed the victim's statements, finding consistent claims of pressure to convert and perform Islamic rituals. Despite Azeem's assertion of a consensual relationship, the court noted a lack of evidence supporting legal procedures for conversion before marriage. Consequently, the court rejected the bail application, citing violations of the 2021 Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)