Allahabad High Court Grants Interim Relief to Cleric in Lucknow Conversion Case
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has provided interim relief to cleric Sayyed Zahid Hasan Raana, who faces accusations related to solemnising a nikah in a contentious religious conversion case. The court has explicitly directed that no coercive measures be taken against Raana, with the next hearing set to occur after a period of four weeks.
Details of the Court Order and Legal Proceedings
This significant order was issued by a bench comprising Justice Abdul Moin and Justice Babita Rani. It came in response to a petition challenging an FIR lodged at the Chowk police station in Lucknow. The FIR was registered under the stringent provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.
Previously, on January 27, the Chowk police had obtained a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against the cleric, intensifying the legal scrutiny surrounding this case. The court's interim relief temporarily halts any such enforcement actions against Raana pending further judicial review.
Background of the Case and Allegations
The FIR was originally filed against Rameezuddin Malik, a former junior resident of King George's Medical University (KGMU). The complaint stems from allegations by a woman who accused Malik of initiating a relationship under the false pretense of marriage and subsequently pressuring her to convert her religion.
Additionally, the complaint referenced another woman who purportedly claimed that her religion had been converted prior to her marriage with the accused. This has added layers of complexity to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.
Defense Arguments and Cleric's Role
Representing the cleric, counsel Shashank Singh presented a robust defense, arguing that Raana's involvement was strictly limited to solemnising the nikah. Singh emphasized that the cleric was not named in the initial FIR and had no role in any alleged unlawful conversion activities.
Key points from the defense include:
- The nikah was conducted at the explicit request of the accused's father.
- The ceremony took place in the presence of the woman's family members, including her father.
- Raana's actions were confined to performing the religious rite without any participation in coercive conversion practices.
Singh further contended that linking the cleric to the conversion charges was unjust, as his duties were purely ceremonial and did not extend to the broader allegations of religious coercion. The defense maintains that Raana acted in good faith, adhering to traditional protocols without any malicious intent.
Current Status and Implications
Currently, Rameezuddin Malik remains in jail, facing charges of forcing a woman colleague to convert. The court's decision to grant interim relief to the cleric highlights the judicial scrutiny over the extent of individual liabilities in such sensitive cases.
This ruling may set a precedent for how religious officiants are treated in legal matters involving conversion allegations, emphasizing the need for clear evidence of direct involvement in unlawful acts. The upcoming hearing in four weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of this case and its impact on similar legal disputes in Uttar Pradesh.
