Allahabad High Court. File | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockimage
The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) released a 31-year-old man, Aayush Malik, who accused his father of illegally detaining him after he converted to Islam and entered into a relationship with a Muslim woman, Chandni Qureshi.
Based on Mr. Ayush’s statement that he voluntarily converted to Islam in 2014 and accepted Ms. Qureshi as his partner, the court observed that the choice of the person with whom an adult wishes to enter into marital relations is part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
He added that such choices cannot be limited simply because they conflict with the wishes of family members.
Following Mr. Ayush’s conversion from Hinduism to Islam, the Shamli district police registered a case under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 against Ms. Qureshi and her father.
The two were subsequently arrested in connection with the case and spent several months in jail before being granted bail by a Shamli court on July 24.
Capable of making decisions
The judge, Single Judge Sandeep Jain, who heard the case habeas corpus in the petition, stated that it appears from the statements of Mr. Ayush that he has reached the age of majority and is capable of making decisions regarding his life.
In his statement, Mohd. The Sultan, who claimed to be a friend of Mr. Ayush, claimed that his friend voluntarily embraced Islam, without coercion, undue influence or inducement, and subsequently decided to marry Ms. Qureshi. The statement also alleged that Mr. Ayush’s father, Devraj Singh Malik, was against the relationship.
While appearing before the Judge on Wednesday, Mr. Ayush alleged that his father had been subjecting him to threats and illegal detention since June 4. Mr Devraj disputed the allegations and told the court that his son was under the influence of “certain persons”.
After hearing both sides, the court said that nothing was presented that could persuade the court not to believe the statement of Mr. Ayush.
“Freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion are guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution,” the court said in its ruling.
Published – September 17, 2026 01:05 EST.