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The court has given a big verdict in a sensitive case registered under the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act regarding allegations of inter-religious relations and forced conversion in Madhya Pradesh. In the case of a couple who had come to get married as per the legal process in the court, after huge protests, an FIR was registered against the young man under serious sections of alleged ‘love jihad’ and forced religious conversion. This case came into limelight. However, after a long legal process and statements of witnesses, the whole story changed in the court. On the basis of the statements of the girl and her family members, the Additional Sessions Court has honorably acquitted the youth of all criminal charges due to lack of evidence.
This whole matter started when a love affair developed between a young man working in a factory living in Narmadapuram (Pipariya) and a girl of another religion living in his neighbourhood. Both belonged to different religions, so to avoid any social controversy, they decided to get married through a legal process (Special Marriage Act). Both had reached Bhopal to get the marriage solemnized through the court.
However, as soon as they reached the Bhopal court premises, massive protests were organized by some social and religious organizations. As the dispute escalated, both of them were taken to the police station, where after complaints from family members and social pressure, a criminal case was registered against the youth for religious conversion under non-bailable sections and Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act. After this incident, tension increased in both their families and both were separated.
The matter completely changed during the hearing in the Additional Sessions Court. When the prosecution presented its key witnesses and the girl in court, the girl testified before the judge, contradicting her earlier police statements:
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Voluntary decision to marry: The girl clarified before the court that there was no pressure, greed or threat of any kind on her. She was an adult and had come to the court with her free consent to marry the young man to spend her life with him.
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No attempt to convert: He clarified that no undue pressure was ever put on the young man or his family to change his religion, impose customs or perform religious worship.
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The attitude of the family members also changed: The girl’s family members also refused to confirm the direct allegations against the young man during their testimony in the court.
The Additional Sessions Judge closely examined the arguments of both sides, the statements of witnesses and the available police evidence. The court underlined in its order that:
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Any adult citizen has the constitutional right to choose a life partner of his own free will and apply for marriage through the legal process.
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The prosecution could not prove any documentary or direct evidence of forced conversion, inducement or fraud in the court.
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No substantial offense is made out against the accused because of the main witness and the complainant not supporting the allegations.
On these grounds, the court declared the young man acquitted of all charges, relieving him of jail and lengthy court proceedings.
Although the young man was acquitted by the court, this entire incident completely changed the lives of both of them. Amidst a long period of litigation and social protest, the girl’s marriage was arranged by her family members somewhere else in their own society. After being acquitted, the young man said that the law proved him innocent, but the deep impact this legal battle had on his relationship, social reputation and career can never be compensated.