The Allahabad High Court has recently granted bail to 2 women against whom an FIR was registered alleging that they condemned a particular religion and also incited people to convert to Christianity.
A bench headed by Justice Vikram D Chauhan granted bail to Anita Devi and Divya after their counsel submitted that during investigation, no one was found to have been converted and also there was no specific detail on what they stated against another religion.
The FIR was lodged against Anita Devi and Divya at Maharajganj police station in Azamgarh district of UP under prohibition of unlawful conversion of religion Act, 2021 and other sections of IPC.
Furthermore, the counsel submitted that there is freedom to practice religion in the country which is constitutionally permitted. Besides, the applicants have no criminal history and have been in jail since August 14.
The state counsel opposed the bail stating that a cognizable offence is made out against the applicants.
However, the court granted them bail observing, “Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, nature of offense, evidence, complicity of the accused, submissions of learned counsel for the parties and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the court is of the view that the applicants have made out a case for bail. The bail application is allowed.”
