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Distributing the Holy Bible Does Not Amount to Allurement
The ruling is a significant victory for religious freedom in India. Allahabad Hight court observes that distributing religious texts and imparting religious teachings are not illegal activities and that people should be free to choose their own religion.
Sep 8, 2023By News Desk
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that distributing the Holy Bible and imparting good teachings does not amount to "allurement" under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.
The court made the ruling in the case of Jose Papachen and Sheeja, who were arrested on a complaint by a BJP district secretary in Ambedkar Nagar. The U.P. Police had charged them with violating the anti-conversion law, which prohibits conversion by force, fraud, or allurement.
The court found that the complainant was not related to the accused, and therefore, was not competent to lodge a complaint under the anti-conversion law. The court also found that the accused had not committed any act of allurement, as they were simply distributing the Holy Bible and imparting good teachings.
The court granted bail to the accused and directed the trial court to expedite the trial of the case.
The ruling is a significant victory for religious freedom in India. It sends a message that distributing religious texts and imparting religious teachings are not illegal activities and that people should be free to choose their own religion without fear of persecution.
The ruling is also a setback for the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, which has been accused of using the anti-conversion law to target minority communities. The ruling makes it more difficult for the government to use the law to harass and intimidate people who are simply practising their religion.
The ruling is a welcome development for all those who believe in religious freedom and tolerance. It is a reminder that India is a secular country where everyone should be free to practice their religion without fear of persecution.
