Allahabad High Court refuses to quash FIR in Moradabad student conversion case, citing prima facie evidence and allowing full investigation under UP unlawful conversion law.
Allahabad High Court flags “disturbing trend” among youth while permitting investigation in alleged conversion case involving Class 12 students
QalamTimes NewsNetwork
Moradabad/Prayagraj, April 17, 2026
In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has declined to quash a First Information Report (FIR) filed against several Class 12 students accused under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The Court observed that the material available on record prima facie indicates the need for a detailed investigation into the conversion case.
A Division Bench comprising Justice J J Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena stated that the case diary contains substantial material that cannot be ignored at this preliminary stage. The judges noted that the allegations, along with supporting evidence, warrant a full-fledged probe rather than judicial interference at the FIR stage.
The conversion case originates from a complaint filed by the brother of a minor girl in Moradabad. He alleged that his sister was being pressured by her classmates to wear a burqa and convert to Islam. According to the victim’s statements, an incident in December 2025 involved her being compelled to wear a veil and persuaded to adopt another religion.
In contrast, one of the accused students has claimed that the girl wore the burqa voluntarily to avoid being seen by her reportedly strict brother. This conflicting version has added complexity to the conversion case, making the Court emphasise the necessity of a thorough investigation.
The Bench also expressed concern over what it described as a “disturbing trend” among young individuals attempting to impose religious beliefs on others. It remarked that students at such a stage of life should focus on personal growth, education, and contributing positively to society rather than engaging in such controversial activities.
Importantly, the Court pointed out that the victim’s statement cannot be dismissed outright and must be carefully examined during the investigation. It further clarified that determining whether the alleged acts amount to unlawful conversion or inducement under the law is a matter for investigative authorities, not for adjudication at the FIR-quashing stage.
The Court dismissed the petitions seeking relief and vacated interim protection granted earlier to one of the accused, thereby allowing the investigation to proceed unhindered.
Interestingly, this judicial stance comes despite earlier statements from Moradabad Police indicating that no concrete evidence of religious conversion or criminal wrongdoing had been found during initial inquiries. The discrepancy between the police’s preliminary findings and the Court’s observations has made the conversion case a matter of heightened public and legal interest.
The coaching centre where the students reportedly studied has also been shut down following objections from local residents, further intensifying the controversy surrounding the case.
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