Supreme Court Stays Proceedings in Uttar Pradesh Religious Conversion Cases

New Delhi, India — On Thursday, the Supreme Court of India stayed criminal proceedings in Uttar Pradesh against the vice-chancellor of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHUATS), Rajendra Bihari Lal, and others. The proceedings relate to five FIRs alleging illegal conversion of Hindus to Christianity.

A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued the stay order, halting the trial court proceedings despite the Uttar Pradesh government’s plea for their continuation. “There should not be further proceedings in connection with the FIRs in the trial court in the case,” stated the bench.

The court took into account submissions from several lawyers, including senior advocate Siddharth Dave representing SHUATS VC Lal, who argued for a stay on the trial court proceedings. The lawyers highlighted that fresh charge sheets would require all accused to appear in court, necessitating the stay.

Senior lawyer Mukta Gupta, representing another accused, pointed out that the state police had not recorded testimonies from any of the alleged victims who were reportedly lured into Christianity.

The Supreme Court has been providing interim protection from arrest and bail to the accused in these cases. The bench scheduled the next hearing for August 2, when it will continue to consider the arguments.

Background of the Case

The SHUATS vice-chancellor and others face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 307 (attempt to murder), Section 504 (intentional insult with an intent to provoke a breach of peace), and Section 386 (extortion). Additionally, they are booked under provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

The top court has previously issued orders protecting the accused from arrest in connection with the FIRs filed in Fatehpur. The Uttar Pradesh Police allege that Lal and the other accused orchestrated a mass religious conversion program funded by sources from approximately 20 countries. Police claim Lal is a “notorious criminal” involved in 38 cases of various nature, including cheating and murder, over the past two decades.

Police reports allege that around 90 Hindus gathered at the Evangelical Church of India in Hariharganj, Fatehpur, were subjected to undue influence, coercion, and lured through fraud and promises of easy money to convert to Christianity.

The Supreme Court’s stay on proceedings and its decision to protect the accused highlights the ongoing judicial scrutiny and legal complexities surrounding the allegations of unlawful religious conversions in Uttar Pradesh. The court’s final decision on the petitions seeking quashing or clubbing of the FIRs will be closely watched.

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