Today, On 3rd May, The Supreme Court set a date in May for the conclusive hearing on cases concerning religious conversions in Uttar Pradesh. This decision indicates a crucial step towards resolving legal complexities surrounding the contentious issue of religious conversion, with implications for constitutional rights and societal harmony.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India scheduled a final hearing on May 14 for multiple petitions that challenge or request the consolidation of five separate First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against Rajendra Bihari Lal, the Vice-Chancellor of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) in Uttar Pradesh, and other individuals. These FIRs involve allegations of unlawful religious conversions. The decision to set a date for the final resolution of these cases made by a bench that includes Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
During the proceedings, detailed arguments presented by several prominent attorneys, such as Siddharth Dave and Mukta Gupta. In response to these submissions, the justices decided to proceed with the final disposal of all nine related petitions on the specified date.
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Additionally, the court issued instructions to Garima Prasad, a senior advocate representing the Uttar Pradesh government, mandating that a copy of the chargesheet from the initial FIR must be provided to Siddharth Dave, who representing the Vice-Chancellor of SHUATS, by or before the upcoming court date. This directive ensures that all parties adequately prepared for the final discussions and decisions regarding the matter.
The court directed both the Uttar Pradesh government and the defence counsel for the accused to submit written arguments. Lal and other defendants are seeking either the dismissal of the FIRs filed against them or their consolidation. The charges against Lal pertain to offenses under sections 307 (attempted murder), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 386 (extortion) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, he faces allegations under specific provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.
This request for written submissions signifies the court’s commitment to a thorough examination of legal arguments and precedents before reaching a decision. It also underscores the complexity of the case, blending criminal law and constitutional considerations regarding religious conversions.
Periodically, the Supreme court issued rulings to shield the accused from arrest concerning the FIRs filed in Fatehpur. The Uttar Pradesh Police previously reported to the court that Lal, along with additional suspects, are identified as the “main perpetrators” behind a large-scale religious conversion initiative, which allegedly supported financially by contributions from roughly 20 different nations.
Authorities accused Lal and others of being “notorious criminal”, purportedly involved in a wide range of illegal activities. Specifically, Lal linked to 38 different criminal cases that include charges of fraud and murder. These cases registered in various parts of Uttar Pradesh over the past twenty years.
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The police claimed that approximately 90 Hindus gathered at the Evangelical Church of India located in Hariharganj, Fatehpur, with the intent of converting to Christianity. According to the allegations, these individuals subjected to undue influence and coercion. They reportedly enticed with deceptive practices and promises of financial benefits to persuade them to convert.
As the final hearing approaches in May, stakeholders from various backgrounds, including legal experts religious leaders, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens will be closely watching the proceedings. The outcome of these cases is not only a matter of legal judgment but also a reflection of India’s commitment to pluralism, tolerance, and the rule of law in a diverse and complex society.
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