The Karnataka High Court quashed a case against three men booked for distributing Islamic pamphlets near a temple, stating, “No claims that the accused had converted or attempted to convert anyone” were made during the proceedings.
The Karnataka High Court dismissed a first information report (FIR) against three individuals charged under the State’s anti-conversion law for allegedly distributing pamphlets and promoting Islam near a temple.
Justice Venkatesh Naik T stated that there were no claims that the accused had converted or attempted to convert anyone to another religion.
The judge remarked,
“Even if the allegations in the FIR are accepted at its face value, it fail to satisfy the essential elements of an offence under Section 3 of the Act. There is no allegation that the petitioners converted or attempted to convert any person to another religion,”
He further emphasized that the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, prohibits religious conversion through deceitful means, but such complaints can only be made by the individual converted or their family members.
The Bench noted that In this instance, the complaint was lodged by a third party
The Court stated,
“The absence of these essential elements renders the allegations insufficient to constitute an offence under the Act. Consequently, the registration of the FIR, culminating in the filing of the charge sheet, is vitiated. Hence, this Court proceed to pass the following,”
As a result, the Court quashed the FIR and the proceedings in the trial court.
In May 2025, Mustafa, Alisab, and Suleman were found distributing pamphlets that promoted Islamic teachings and explained their beliefs near Ramatheerth Temple in Jamkhandi.
Also Read: Anti-Conversion Laws| “We Have to Hear Other Side First Then”: SC to Hear Plea in May
The allegations indicated that when complainant Ramesh Mallappa Navi approached them, they criticized Hinduism and stated,
“If you continue to stay as Hindu, you will not be able to find God. There is no God except Allah, and all other gods are kafir.”
They were also accused of claiming their mission was to “make the whole world turn towards Islam” and warned that anyone obstructing their efforts would face dire consequences.
Their legal counsel argued before the High Court that merely preaching the teachings of Allah or the Prophet Muhammad, without any claims of attempting to convert someone from one religion to another, does not constitute an offence.
After considering arguments from both parties, the Court concluded that there was no allegation of any attempt at religious conversion.
Advocates Iftekhar Shahpuri and Anwarali Nadaf represented the petitioners, while Advocate Abhishek Malipatil represented the State.
Case Title: Mustafa & Ors v. The State of Karnataka & Ors
Read Attachment
Click Here to Read More Reports on Anti-Conversion Law
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
