Allahabad HC Says Adult Man Free to Choose Religion, Residence and Life Partner

Allahabad High Court Sets Ayush Malik at Liberty After He Says He Voluntarily Embraced Islam

The Allahabad High Court has allowed 31-year-old Ayush Malik to live according to his own choices, after he appeared before the court and stated that he had voluntarily embraced Islam and was not under any coercion, threat, undue influence or inducement.

Justice Sandeep Jain heard the habeas corpus proceedings concerning Malik, who was alleged to have been kept in confinement by his family following his conversion and decision to marry Chandni Qureshi. The court had earlier directed that Malik be produced before it on September 16. 

According to reports of the proceedings, Malik told the court that he had embraced Islam in 2014 of his own free will and had been following Islamic practices. He also said that his decision was not accepted by his parents and other family members. 

Malik further stated that he intended to have a matrimonial relationship with Chandni Qureshi, a decision opposed by his family. He alleged that he was subsequently subjected to threats and unlawful confinement.

The dispute had earlier led to an FIR against Chandni Qureshi and her relatives under provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, along with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, following a complaint by Malik's father. The allegations made by both sides remain part of the legal proceedings. 

After Malik appeared before the court and gave his statement, the High Court disposed of the habeas corpus petition. The court's order effectively leaves the adult free to decide where he lives, whom he associates with or marries, and which religion he chooses to profess and practise.