Allahabad High Court Quashes FIR Under Anti-Conversion Law

Court Warns State Authorities Against Misuse of Stringent Provisions

In a significant decision, the Allahabad High Court has quashed an FIR filed under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, citing a lack of prima facie evidence and false allegations. The judgment, delivered by a division bench comprising Justices Abdul Moin and Babita Rani, underscores the necessity for due diligence by authorities when registering cases under this controversial law to prevent its misuse.

The case, Sabir Ali v. State of U.P., revolved around a FIR registered on April 26, 2025, alleging unlawful religious conversion. However, the court found the accusations to be baseless and concocted, as supported by affidavits from the private respondents and admissions by the State. The FIR, lodged by Sub Inspector Hemant Yadav at Jethwara Police Station, Pratapgarh, was deemed patently false and without substance.

The court noted that the private respondents continued to follow their religion of choice without any coercion or inducement, contradicting the allegations. In light of these findings, the court expressed concern over the potential misuse of the Act's stringent provisions and emphasized the need for responsible application of mind by state authorities.

The court's order also highlighted the wastage of judicial time and unnecessary harassment caused to the private respondents due to such frivolous cases. It directed the Principal Secretary (Home), Lucknow, to file a personal affidavit explaining why such an FIR was lodged and why exemplary costs should not be imposed on the State for the false allegations.

While allowing the writ petition and quashing the FIR, the court issued a cautionary note to the State, urging more caution in future registrations under the Act, to avoid similar misuse and to protect individuals from unwarranted harassment.

Bottom Line:

Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 - FIR quashed by the Court due to lack of prima facie evidence and indication of false allegations - Note of caution issued to State authorities to exercise due diligence while registering FIRs under the Act to avoid misuse of stringent provisions.

Statutory provision(s): Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, Sections 5(1), 8(2), and 8(6).

Sabir Ali v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(Lucknow)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2822177