HC: Forced Religious Conversion a Serious Crime, No Compromise Allowed

Prayagraj (The Uttam Hindu): In an important decision, the Allahabad High Court has clarified that conversion can be considered valid only on the basis of change of heart and sincere belief. The court said that conversion done under deception or pressure is not only illegal, but it is also a serious criminal act. In such cases, the case cannot be ended even if there is a settlement between the parties.

This decision was given by a single bench of Justice Manju Rani Chauhan while dismissing the petition of Rampur resident Taufiq Ahmed. The petitioner is accused of converting and raping a Hindu girl by trapping her in a love trap. The victim said that the accused befriended her through social media by using a Hindu name and then kept her hostage for six months by promising to marry her.

When the victim came to know the truth that the accused was a Muslim, she somehow ran away and lodged an FIR with the police. Later, she also confirmed the allegations in her statement. A charge sheet has been filed by the police.

The court said that conversion to Islam cannot be considered genuine unless it is done by an adult, of sound mind and voluntarily believing in Prophet Muhammad with heart. The court termed this type of crime as against the dignity of society and women and refused to drop the charges including Section 376 (rape) of IPC on the basis of compromise.