The Allahabad High Court, in a recent ruling, dismissed the plea of a Hindu-Muslim couple seeking protection for their lives. The court asserted that the marriages in question did not conform to the provisions outlined in the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

Recently, the single-headed bench of Justice Saral Srivastava mentioned the interfaith nature of the unions. However, the emphasis was placed on the fact that these marriages failed to adhere to legal protocols, with a specific reference to the anti-conversion law.

In the case involving a Muslim man marrying a Hindu woman, the couple approached the court seeking protection from harassment. Their plea requested that the court direct the state authorities to intervene, put an end to the harassment, and ensure the protection of their lives and liberty.

In its ruling, the high court specifically pointed out that the marriage between the petitioners, a Muslim man and a Hindu woman, lacked compliance with the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. As a result, the court concluded that the solemnization of their marriage was not in accordance with the law.

Notably, constitutional challenges to the validity of anti-conversion laws in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh are presently awaiting consideration before the Supreme Court.

The law prohibits the unlawful conversion of religion through means such as misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, and allurement. According to the legislation, individuals desiring to convert to another religion must submit a declaration to the district magistrate two months prior to the intended conversion. Additionally, the religion converter responsible for facilitating the conversion is required to provide one month's advance notice to the District Magistrate.

In the current case, the single judge bench clarified that the petitioners have the option to file a new writ petition if they choose to solemnize their marriage after adhering to the proper legal procedures.

In the ongoing case, the single judge bench clarified that the petitioners have the option to file a new writ petition if they decide to solemnize their marriage after complying with the appropriate legal procedures.