Supreme Court Grants Bail in UP Conversion Case

April 7, 2026

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India granted bail to an accused in a case registered under the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The court observed that the Allahabad High Court had ignored certain crucial aspects while rejecting the bail plea.

A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan directed the immediate release of petitioner Vishal Rana, alias Tabish Asgar, on bail, while allowing the trial court to set conditions.

Background of the Case and Allegations

The Supreme Court was hearing a special leave petition (SLP) challenging the November 14, 2025, order of the Allahabad High Court, which had rejected the accused’s bail plea.

The case was registered at the Sector 113 police station in Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida). The FIR invokes sections 323, 506, and 313 of the IPC, as well as sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Religious Conversion Act.

Court’s Observation on Prolonged Detention

The bench, noting the status of the trial, noted that the charge sheet has been filed and the case is pending in the Noida Sessions Court, where only one witness has testified so far.

The court also noted that the accused has been in custody since December 3, 2024. The apex court said, “It is unfortunate that in a case of this nature, the petitioner has been in judicial custody for more than one and a half years.”

Key Observations of the Supreme Court

The bench observed that the High Court had not considered certain crucial facts when rejecting bail. The court noted that the complainant had met the accused in jail three times. “This in itself speaks volumes,” the Supreme Court said.

Additionally, both parties filed a joint petition in the Allahabad High Court seeking their protection, which was approved.

The court also cited Facebook conversations on record, which indicated that the complainant was aware of the accused’s religious identity. The bench stated that the High Court did not consider this aspect either.

High Court’s stance and defense arguments

The Allahabad High Court stated in its order that prima facie the accused’s involvement cannot be ruled out and that bail cannot be granted given the seriousness of the allegations.

According to the prosecution, the accused concealed his religious identity and entered into a relationship and marriage, later pressuring the woman to convert, forcing her to undergo an abortion, and threatening to kill her.

The defense, on the other hand, stated that the relationship was consensual and that the allegations were made later when a dispute arose.

Bail with Conditions

In granting the appeal, the Supreme Court stated that if the accused is not wanted in any other case, he should be immediately released on bail. The trial court has been given the discretion to set the conditions.

The Supreme Court also clarified that it is not commenting on the merits of the case, which will be decided during the trial.