Mere Victim Statement Not Enough for Arrest in Anti-Conversion Case: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court granted anticipatory bail to a Muslim schoolgirl accused of forcing her Hindu classmate to wear a burqa and convert to Islam under the Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion law.

The FIR was lodged by the victim’s brother, alleging that five Muslim classmates pressured the minor student at a tuition centre.

While the State relied on the victim’s statement recorded under the BNSS, the Court observed that no other material existed to establish the accused’s involvement.

Holding that mere allegations without supporting evidence were insufficient, the Court granted relief.

[Malishka @ Malishka Fatma v. State of U.P. & Anr.]