In a significant case of illegal mass religious conversions, anticipatory bail has been granted today by the Supreme Court of India to the Vice Chancellor and other officials of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Science (SHUATS).

The individuals in the case were facing charges of coercing individuals into adopting Christianity through inducements and exploitation tactics.

The bench, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, made the court's earlier order of protection absolute, providing relief to the officials involved. This decision follows a series of legal proceedings initiated after an FIR was filed in November 2023, alleging that a lower-middle-class woman was lured into Christianity through promises of employment and other inducements. The victim further claimed she was subjected to regular sexual exploitation.

The Allahabad High Court, in its impugned order, had refused to quash the FIR against the Vice Chancellor and other officials, emphasizing that no genuine religious entity would condone such malpractices. 

The court highlighted the manipulation of a vulnerable individual into adopting Christianity for the promise of job security, despite arguments from the accused claiming fabrication on the part of the victim.

The High Court's stance reiterated the gravity of the allegations, stressing that the coercion of individuals into religious conversion through gifts and exploitation is an unpardonable offense. The court denounced such actions, stating that no authentic religious institution would endorse such misconduct by priests or spiritual leaders.

The allegations against the accused also involved the misuse of foreign funds received by SHUATS, totaling over Rs 34 crores since 2005. The Uttar Pradesh police, opposing any relief to the accused, alleged that these funds were utilized for illegal conversion activities, adding another dimension to the case.

While the legal proceedings are ongoing, the grant of anticipatory bail by the Supreme Court offers temporary respite to the Vice Chancellor and other officials of SHUATS. 

Case: Rajendra Bihari Lal and Ors. vs. The State of Uttar Pradesh and Ors.