Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh – May 31, 2025
In a significant legal development, a special court in Bijnor has acquitted Mohammad Saqib, a Muslim man who was among the first individuals charged under Uttar Pradesh’s controversial anti-conversion law, commonly referred to as the ‘love jihad’ law. The court’s decision, delivered on May 21, 2025, marks the first instance where a Muslim man has been acquitted under this law after a full trial.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to December 14, 2020, when Saqib, then a 16-year-old daily wage laborer, was arrested following an altercation in Nasirpur village, Bijnor district. He was accused of kidnapping and attempting to convert a 16-year-old Dalit girl to Islam under the pretense of marriage. The First Information Report (FIR) filed against him included charges under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance, 2020, as well as sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Trial and Acquittal
Over the course of five years, Saqib’s case underwent 74 hearings. During the trial, the prosecution failed to provide concrete evidence supporting the allegations. The court noted contradictions in the prosecution’s case and emphasized the lack of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. In her judgment, Additional District and Sessions Judge Kalpana Pandey stated, “The prosecution has failed to establish the basic facts.”
Implications of the Verdict
Saqib’s acquittal is seen as a landmark decision, highlighting potential issues in the implementation of the anti-conversion law. Advocate Mashruf Kamaal, representing Saqib, remarked, “This is the first case where a Muslim man in UP has been acquitted of charges under the anti-conversion law after a trial.”
The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance, 2020, was enacted to prevent forced religious conversions, particularly in the context of interfaith marriages. However, critics argue that the law has been misused to target Muslim men and infringe upon individual rights.
Broader Context
Since the enactment of the anti-conversion law, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed numerous cases filed under its provisions. Between November 2020 and July 2024, the state police registered 835 cases, leading to 1,682 arrests. Despite the high number of cases, convictions under the law have been relatively few, raising concerns about its application and potential misuse.
Legal experts and human rights activists have called for a re-evaluation of the law, emphasizing the need to protect individual freedoms and prevent communal polarization. Saqib’s acquittal serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the potential consequences of legislation that may be applied discriminatorily.
