Allahabad High Court Refuses to Quash FIR Against Class XII Students Accused of Forcing Classmate to Wear Burqa, Attempting Religious Conversion
By Rajesh Pandey
In a significant observation on the growing tendency among youngsters to impose their religious beliefs on others, the Allahabad High Court has refused to quash an FIR registered against two Class XII students accused of allegedly pressuring their classmate to wear a burqa and attempting to convert her to Islam.
The case has been registered under the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.
A division bench comprising Justice J.J. Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena dismissed the writ petition filed by the accused students, Aleena and Shabiya, holding that the material collected during the investigation prima facie indicates the need for a detailed probe.
Expressing concern over the issue, the Court observed that such tendencies among young students are disturbing, particularly at a stage in life when they should ideally be focusing on education, skill development and contributing positively to society.
The bench remarked that the 2021 law was enacted to address emerging concerns related to unlawful religious conversion, and its intent cannot be defeated by prematurely quashing proceedings where there is tangible material requiring investigation.
According to the FIR lodged by the brother of the alleged victim in Moradabad, the Class XII student was allegedly being pressured by five of her Muslim classmates at a local tuition centre to wear a veil and accept Islam.
In her statements recorded under Sections 180 and 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the girl described an incident from December 2025 in which the accused allegedly brought a burqa and made her wear it.
The complainant further alleged that the classmates repeatedly attempted to influence her religious beliefs.
It was claimed that they would bring non-vegetarian food and encourage her to consume the gravy even when she refused to eat meat.
The victim also alleged that she was repeatedly told about the virtues of Islam, including claims that the Quran could be read in forty days and that wearing a burqa would allow her greater freedom of movement.
On behalf of one of the accused, counsel argued that the FIR contained general and vague allegations and was filed as a counter-response to a separate complaint made by one of the accused against the complainant’s family, alleging harassment and stalking.
The defence also highlighted that the accused is an 18-year-old student preparing for her Class XII examinations, and the pending criminal case has adversely affected her ability to focus on her studies.
It was further argued that the main allegations were directed primarily against another co-accused who had not challenged the FIR before the Court.
However, the High Court noted that the case diary includes CCTV footage from a nearby lane where the victim was allegedly seen being compelled to wear a burqa by the accused and other co-accused students.
The Court observed that the evidence collected during the investigation cannot be ignored at this preliminary stage.
The bench further clarified that determining whether the acts alleged in the FIR amount to inducement, coercion, or undue influence under the 2021 Act would require a detailed examination during investigation and cannot be decided while considering a petition seeking quashing of the FIR.
Considering the overall circumstances and the material available on record, the High Court, in its judgment dated April 16, refused to interfere in the matter and dismissed the writ petition, allowing the investigation to proceed in accordance with law.
