The Allahabad High Court has intervened in a case concerning Ayush Malik, who allegedly remains in illegal detention by his family following his conversion to Islam and subsequent marriage to a Muslim woman. This action follows a petition that claims Malik, now known as Mohammad Ali, is being unlawfully confined with the support of local authorities.
Background of the Case
Ayush Malik’s conversion from Hinduism to Islam and his marriage to Chandni Qureshi, a Muslim woman, has sparked significant legal and familial conflict. As a result, Qureshi and her father were detained under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, after a complaint was lodged by Shamli police. Malik asserts that his conversion was voluntary, yet his father contends that it was coerced to usurp the family’s assets. In a recent development, Malik purportedly reverted to Hinduism.
Legal Proceedings
The case took a new turn with a habeas corpus petition submitted to the High Court, which suggests that Malik’s father has unlawfully restricted his freedom. This petition, filed by Malik’s friend Sultan, alleges that the State’s involvement has facilitated this detention. On September 9, Justice Sandeep Jain remarked that Malik appeared to have willingly converted to Islam and married against the wishes of Qureshi’s family.
Court’s Directive
Justice Sandeep Jain deemed the allegations of Malik’s illegal custody serious, necessitating urgent judicial attention. The Court has commanded the State and Malik’s father to produce him before the Court on September 16, specifying that failing to do so would require an explanation for his absence and details of efforts made to secure his presence.
The Court emphasized the gravity of the allegations concerning the possible collusion of State authorities in Malik’s detention, asserting the necessity for immediate judicial examination. The petitioner is represented by Advocates Deepak Singh, Mohammad Khalid, and Umar Khalid.
