Allahabad HC Refuses to Quash FIR Against Schoolgirls Under U.P. Anti-Conversion Law
The Allahabad High Court has declined to quash a First Information Report (FIR) registered against several school-going girls in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, under the state's 2021 anti-conversion law. The case stems from a complaint filed in December 2025 by the brother of a Hindu Class 12 student, who alleged that her Muslim classmates forced her to wear a burkha, eat meat, and pressured her into religious conversion by claiming their faith was superior. The accused students petitioned the court, arguing the allegations were vague, lacked specific details, and were motivated by personal animosity with no actual conversion occurring. However, a bench comprising Justices Tarun Saxena and J.J. Munir ruled that prima facie evidence, including CCTV footage and victim statements, warranted a thorough police investigation. The court emphasized that it is premature to dismiss the case at this stage, noting the disturbing trend of young people thrusting religion upon others during critical educational years. The decision underscores the judiciary's stance on enforcing the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act while balancing individual rights and societal concerns regarding coerced religious practices among minors.
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Allahabad HC Refuses to Quash FIR Against Schoolgirls Under U.P. Anti-Conversion Law
The Allahabad High Court has declined to quash a First Information Report (FIR) registered against several school-going girls in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, under the state's 2021 anti-conversion law. The case stems from a complaint filed in December 2025 by the brother of a Hindu Class 12 student, who alleged that her Muslim classmates forced her to wear a burkha, eat meat, and pressured her into religious conversion by claiming their faith was superior. The accused students petitioned the court, arguing the allegations were vague, lacked specific details, and were motivated by personal animosity with no actual conversion occurring. However, a bench comprising Justices Tarun Saxena and J.J. Munir ruled that prima facie evidence, including CCTV footage and victim statements, warranted a thorough police investigation. The court emphasized that it is premature to dismiss the case at this stage, noting the disturbing trend of young people thrusting religion upon others during critical educational years. The decision underscores the judiciary's stance on enforcing the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act while balancing individual rights and societal concerns regarding coerced religious practices among minors.
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