Overview
- A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra set aside five FIRs, including cases against SHUATS vice-chancellor Rajendra Bihari Lal, citing procedural lapses and lack of credible material.
- The Court warned that criminal law cannot be used to harass innocent citizens, noting misuse through weak complaints and legal infirmities.
- Prima facie concerns were recorded over the UP law’s pre- and post-conversion declarations and the District Magistrate’s mandatory police enquiries, which the bench said impose an onerous burden.
- The judges questioned the requirement to publish personal details of converts, indicating that it may conflict with privacy protections recognized in constitutional jurisprudence.
- The Court clarified that religious gatherings or charitable activities are not offences under the Act and noted that broader challenges to the 2021 statute remain pending.