Allahabad High Court Highlights Rising Issues of False FIRs Under UP Anti-Conversion Law

The Allahabad High Court has recently voiced alarm over an alarming trend of false first information reports (FIRs) being lodged under the Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion legislation. This revelation came during a hearing involving a case where three Muslim men were accused under the 2021 Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. The court, presided over by Justices Abdul Moin and Pramod Kumar Srivastava, underscored the need for vigilance against misuse of the law.

The FIR in question was filed by the father of an 18-year-old woman, who claimed that one of the accused had ‘enticed’ his daughter with the intention of converting her religion and coercing her into marriage. The allegations included serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well. However, the situation took a turn when the woman provided a statement before a magistrate, refuting her father’s claims. She asserted that her relationship with one of the accused was consensual and that she had not faced any coercion regarding conversion or marriage.

In her testimony, the woman expressed her desire to live with the man she had chosen and voiced concerns about harassment she faced from Hindutva groups. The testimony casts a shadow on the legitimacy of the FIR, prompting the court to reflect upon the implications of such allegations. On Monday, the bench remarked that the victim’s statement raises serious concerns about the misuse of the anti-conversion law, which has been increasingly apparent in cases brought before the judiciary.

This statement from the court not only highlights the potential for false allegations but also raises questions about the societal pressures and political climate surrounding interfaith relationships in India. The anti-conversion law, designed to prevent forced conversions, has been criticized for being misapplied in situations where consensual relationships are involved, leading to legal complications for those unfairly targeted.

The Allahabad High Court’s observations serve as a reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained to protect individual rights while addressing genuine concerns regarding conversion practices. As cases like this unfold, the judiciary’s role in safeguarding against misuse of the law becomes crucial, prompting discussions about how such legislation can be reformed or interpreted to prevent wrongful accusations without compromising the intent of protecting vulnerable individuals.

Source: scroll.in