The Allahabad High Court recently stated that interfaith marriages and live-in relationships are not prohibited under Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law. The court made this observation while hearing a case involving an adult couple from different religions who were facing objections and possible legal action. The judges emphasized that the law against unlawful religious conversion does not ban relationships between consenting adults of different faiths.
Background of the Anti-Conversion Law in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh enacted a law to prevent religious conversion through force, fraud, undue influence, or misrepresentation. The law aims to stop conversions that are not voluntary. It requires certain procedures, including prior notice to authorities, when a person chooses to convert religion for marriage.
However, confusion often arises because the law is sometimes interpreted as restricting interfaith relationships themselves. The court clarified that the law targets illegal conversion, not the personal choice to marry or live with someone from another religion.
Court’s View on Interfaith Marriage
The High Court stated that marriage between persons of different religions is not illegal in India. Adults have the freedom to choose their life partners. The court noted that if a marriage takes place without any forced or fraudulent conversion, it does not violate the anti-conversion law.
Indian law already provides legal ways for interfaith couples to marry, such as under the Special Marriage Act. Therefore, the existence of different religious backgrounds alone cannot be treated as an offence.
Live-In Relationships Also Not Prohibited
The court further observed that a live-in relationship between consenting adults is not a crime. Indian courts have previously recognized that adults have the right to live together without marriage. The anti-conversion law does not contain any provision that bans such arrangements.
The judges made it clear that personal relationships fall within the domain of individual liberty, as long as no illegal conversion or coercion is involved.
Importance of Consent and Adult Choice
A key factor highlighted by the court was consent. When both individuals are adults and acting voluntarily, the state cannot interfere unless there is evidence of force, fraud, or unlawful activity. The court stressed that personal liberty includes the freedom to choose one’s partner and lifestyle.
This interpretation aligns with constitutional protections of life and personal freedom. Authorities must examine actual evidence of unlawful conversion rather than assuming wrongdoing based solely on an interfaith relationship.
Legal Significance of the Decision
The decision clarifies how the anti-conversion law should be applied. It distinguishes between unlawful conversion and lawful personal relationships. By doing so, the court aimed to prevent misuse of the law against consenting adult couples.
The ruling also reinforces that criminal provisions must be interpreted strictly and cannot be extended beyond what the statute clearly prohibits.
