Today, On 17th October, Supreme Court quashed criminal cases against SHUATS Vice Chancellor and officials over alleged forced religious conversions, citing legal defects in FIRs and lack of credibility, while interim protection continues for petitioners as serious IPC offences need further proof.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India delivered judgment on petitions seeking to quash criminal cases against the Vice Chancellor and other officials of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, related to alleged forced mass religious conversions to Christianity.
A Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra heard the matter.
The Court meticulously examined multiple FIRs and related proceedings, considering both the Uttar Pradesh Act and the broader legal framework for quashing FIRs.
Justice J.B. Pardiwala observed,
“The judgment took time as the facts are complex and involve several FIRs. We heard the Attorney General and Sr Adv Garima Prashad, examined all aspects including the UP Act scheme, and whether FIRs can be quashed after a chargesheet is filed. The Court noted that the FIR lodged by an unauthorized person suffers from a legal defect and quashed it along with all related proceedings.”
The Court specifically addressed FIRs 50 and 60 of 2022, stating they were quashed under the legal principle established in TT Antony.
Justice Pardiwala added,
“The Court held that writ petitions seeking quashing of FIRs are maintainable. It further found that the complaint and investigation in FIR 54/2023 lacked credibility and quashed them as well.”
However, regarding serious offences under Sections 304, 306, and 504 IPC, the Court noted that these matters require further proof. In the meantime, interim protection to the petitioner will continue.
Case Title: RAJENDRA BIHARI LAL AND ANR. V STATE OF U.P. AND ORS. W.P.(Crl.) No. 123/2023
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