Allahabad High Court Says Distributing Bible Or Preaching Religion Is Not A Crime

The Allahabad High Court held that distributing the Bible or preaching a religion does not amount to an offence under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

The Court said the Act requires a specific victim alleging conversion through force, allurement, or undue influence, which was absent when the FIR was lodged.

It criticised the UP Police for acting in haste and arresting the accused without verifying the existence of any such victim. Noting inconsistencies in the complaint, the Court sought an explanation from the complainant and issued notice.

The matter will be heard again after four weeks. 

[Ram Kewal Bharti v. State of U.P.]