Data shows five completed trials ended in acquittal, seven cases closed early, most accused on bail, and courts questioning the proof of force or fraud
NEW DELHI/DEHRADUN – Serious questions have been raised over the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2018, after official records and media findings showed that not a single accused has been convicted under the law in the past seven years. The data has led to sharp criticism from Muslim groups, legal experts, and civil rights workers, who say the law is being used to harass the country’s Muslims rather than deliver justice.
The law, commonly called the conversion law, was brought in during 2018. It allows police action in cases of alleged forced conversion, marriage by hiding identity, or conversion through pressure or inducement. The state government had claimed the law was needed to stop illegal conversions.
Records show that 62 cases were registered under this law across Uttarakhand. By December 2025, only five cases reached full trial. Courts acquitted all the accused in these five cases. Seven other cases ended midway after complaints failed to stand in court. In the remaining cases, most accused are out on bail, with trials moving slowly.
Court proceedings show a clear pattern. Prosecutors failed to prove that any marriage involved force, fraud, or pressure. In several cases, witnesses changed their statements. Judges noted the lack of solid proof and weak investigation.
A senior lawyer based in Dehradun said, “Police are filing cases in a hurry. When the matter reaches court, there is no evidence. The result is acquittal, but the damage to families is already done.”
Muslim organisations say the law is being used to create fear around interfaith marriages, especially when a Muslim man is involved. They point out that arrests take place quickly after complaints from relatives or local groups, even when couples say the marriage was by choice.
One case that drew wide attention involved Aman Siddiqui. Two families had fixed an interfaith marriage with consent from both sides. Before the wedding, both families submitted an affidavit stating that the woman would not change her religion after marriage.
Despite this, a complaint was filed by the woman’s brother-in-law, accusing Aman of hiding his identity. Police arrested Aman and kept him in jail for six months. Media reports said Aman’s father is Muslim and his mother is Hindu.
Speaking after his release, Aman said, “I lost six months of my life for no reason. My marriage was with consent, my identity was never hidden, yet I was treated like a criminal.”
On 9 May 2025, the Supreme Court granted Aman bail. The court said the state cannot object to an interfaith marriage that takes place with free will and family consent. The order gave relief to many couples facing similar cases.
A women’s rights activist from Uttarakhand said, “Adults have the right to choose their partner. This law is being used to control personal choices and to target Muslims. Courts are clearing people, but police action continues.”
Opposition leaders and civil society members are now asking the state government to review the law. They argue that a law which leads to arrests but no convictions serves no public interest.
A Muslim community elder from Haridwar said, “This law has brought fear. Young people are scared to marry outside their faith. Families face social shame even after acquittal.”
With no convictions after seven years, pressure is growing on the Uttarakhand government to explain why the law remains in force, and why repeated arrests continue when courts find no crime.
