Supreme Court grants anticipatory bail to SHUATS VC Dr. Rajendra Bihari Lal in a conversion case, marking a pivotal legal victory. The decision follows a controversial FIR alleging complicity in attempts to convert individuals to Christianity. The case has broader implications for religious freedom and academic institutions.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 1st March),the Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Dr. Rajendra Bihari Lal, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHUATS), in connection with an April 2022 FIR alleging complicity in a controversial conversion case. The apex court’s decision comes after months of legal proceedings, with the Allahabad High Court initially dismissing Lal’s anticipatory bail plea. The case has stirred considerable attention, involving allegations of attempted conversions to Christianity and legal challenges against Lal and other SHUATS officials.
SHUATS, formerly known as Allahabad Agricultural University, stands as one of the prominent educational institutions in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The controversy dates back to April 2022 when an FIR was filed, accusing SHUATS officials of being complicit in around 90 individuals to convert to Christianity. The complaint asserted that coercion and undue influence were employed, with an alleged gathering outside the Evangelical Church of India, Hariharganj, Fatehpur District.
“Upon interrogation, it was allegedly revealed by a pastor that the process of conversion had continued for 34 days and was to complete in 40 days,”
with claims of converting patients from the Mission Hospital in collusion with the employees. The investigating officers identified 55 individuals involved in the conversion, with 35 named and 20 unidentified. The FIR was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act 2021.
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Legal Proceedings: Following the registration of the FIR, Lal sought relief from the apex court, as the Allahabad High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea on February 28 of the same year. Lal argued that he was continuously harassed and intimidated by persons associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), despite not being named in the FIR.
“Eight months after the FIR was registered, the VC was served a notice under Section 41(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure on December 26, 2022, asking him to appear before the investigating officer on December 29, 2012.”
Despite Lal’s cooperation, a raid was conducted in the university, and allegations were publicized in the media to tarnish his and SHUATS reputation.
Lal moved for anticipatory bail before the Sessions Court and the Allahabad High Court. Both pleas were dismissed, leading to the current appeal before the Supreme Court. The top court’s decision to grant anticipatory bail not only provides relief to Lal but also extends to similar pleas by other accused SHUATS officials.
During the proceedings, Additional Advocate General Garima Prashad represented the State of Uttar Pradesh. Senior Advocates CU Singh, Siddhartha Dave, and Mukta Gupta, a retired Delhi High Court judge, appeared on behalf of the accused SHUATS officials and professors.
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The Supreme Court’s decision to grant anticipatory bail to Dr. Rajendra Bihari Lal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the conversion allegations. The case has not only highlighted the intricacies of the legal process but also raised questions about the role of educational institutions in such controversies.
