MP High Court Grants Bail To Ex-Congress Councillor Anwar Kadri Accused In Alleged Forced Conversion Case

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore, granted bail to Anwar Kadri, who was in custody since August 2025 in connection with allegations of facilitating the conversion of a prosecutrix to Islam, and other offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Freedom of Religion Act, 2021.

Counsel for the applicant argued that the prosecutrix had not named him in the complaint and that there was no direct evidence connecting him to the alleged offence, apart from a statement of the co-accused Sahil. It was further submitted that the trial was likely to be protracted, and continued detention would be unjustified.

The State opposed the bail plea, highlighting the applicant's criminal antecedents and noting that multiple other cases were registered against him. The case diary was also reportedly not available at the time of hearing.

Justice Subodh Abhyankar noted that the co-accused Sahil had already been granted bail and observed that there was limited material implicating the applicant. Taking into account the custodial period and the nature of the allegations, the Court allowed bail.

The applicant was directed to furnish a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one solvent surety of the same amount and comply with conditions under Section 437(3) of the CrPC. Considering his criminal record, he was also required to report to the police station every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM until the trial concludes. The Court clarified that any violation of these conditions could result in cancellation of bail by the trial court.

Case: ANWAR KADRI Versus THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

Case No: MISC. CRIMINAL CASE No. 58287 of 2025

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