Credible proof needed to show religious conversion is voluntary: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court on Monday observed that credible proof is required to show that an individual changing their religion has taken the decision voluntarily and an verbal or written declaration that a religious conversion has taken place is not enough to legitimise it, Bar and Bench reported.

Justice Prashant Kumar said that it is open for any individual to change their religion in the country. However, credible proof of the individual’s desire to convert their religion is required along with clear overt actions to carry it out, according to Bar and Bench.

Kumar made the observations while hearing a petition by a man to dismiss the case filed against him after he married a woman who belonged to a different religion. The petitioner had converted to his wife’s religion.

The petitioner had been accused by the woman’s father of kidnapping her and of criminal intimidation, rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences.

Earlier, the court had ordered the petitioner to produce the woman’s high school certificate to ascertain her age.

On Monday, the court took note of the submission of a medical report that showed that the woman was not a minor when she married the petitioner. His counsel also told the court that he had converted voluntarily and...

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