Allahabad High Court Grants Bail To A Pastor Accused Of Luring 90 Hindus To Convert To Christianity

Taking note of the records of the case, the bench of Justice Sameer Jain noted that it appeared that on the basis of general allegations, he was made accused in the present matter along with 35 named persons, and out of 35 persons 6 persons have already been released on bail and thus, he was entitled to be released on bail on the ground of parity.

The bench was essentially dealing with the bail plea of Vijay Masih (Pastor), booked under sections- 153A, 506, 420, 467, 468, 471 I.P.C. and sections- 3/5(1) of Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020.

The FIR of the case was lodged against as many as 36 persons and 20 unknown persons including the present applicant and according to the allegation applicant along with other co-accused persons were making the religious conversion of 90 Hindus.

Appearing for the accused, his counsel argued that out of 35 accused persons 6 accused persons have already been released on bail, and therefore on the ground of parity the applicant is also entitled to be enlarged on bail.

It was further submitted by his counsel that the applicant is not having any criminal history and in the present matter he is in jail since 30.10.2022.

In view of this, and taking into account the fact that similarly placed other accused persons have already been released on bail, the Court observed that the applicant was entitled to be released on bail on the ground of parity.

Consequently, the Court ordered him to be released on bail in the case on furnishing a personal bond and two sureties each in the like amount to the satisfaction of the court concerned.

Significantly, in connection with this very case, one Bhanu Pratap Singh was denied anticipatory bail last week.

Stressing that anticipatory bail is an extraordinary remedy to be exercised in suitable cases only, the bench of Justice Jyotsna Sharma denied him the relief as it did not find any good ground to grant anticipatory bail to him.

Read more about the case here: Allahabad High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail To Man Accused Of Luring 90 Hindus To Convert To Christianity

Appearances

Counsel for Applicant: Mohd. Kalim, Mary Puncha (Sheeb Jose)

Counsel for Opposite Party: G.A.

Case title - Vijay Masih (Pastor) vs. State Of UP [CRIMINAL MISC. BAIL APPLICATION No. - 57506 of 2022]

Case Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (AB) 27

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