“When you judge, Do not pervert justice”
India’s Supreme Court has dismissed a major “forced conversion” case against officials of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) in Uttar Pradesh, ruling on October 17 that the accusations had no legal basis and that the complaint could not stand under the law in force at the time.
The decision brings long-awaited relief to university leaders, medical staff, clergy, believers, and even a 12-year-old child from the mission hospital who were arrested or investigated starting in April 2022, after being accused by a Hindu nationalist of coercing a woman to convert to Christianity and forcing her to bring 60 other women to a conversion gathering.
The Supreme Court found no credible evidence of wrongdoing and held that the complainant had no legal standing, since under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, only the person allegedly converted—or their close relatives—could file such a complaint. Because the case was initiated before the law was amended in 2024 to allow anyone to file a complaint, the Court said the amendment could not be applied retroactively and declared the case “legally defective.”
The bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra also criticized procedural violations and questioned the police investigation, noting that the Allahabad High Court had erred in failing to dismiss the case earlier. The Court upheld protection from arrest previously granted to the accused.
Legal experts and Christian leaders welcomed the ruling as a significant defense of religious freedom. They say it sends a clear message that anti-conversion laws must not be misused and that criminal cases must strictly follow legal procedure—even in sensitive religious matters. Many believe the verdict offers hope for Christians across India facing similar accusations under anti-conversion laws in other states.(Source : International Christian Concern, Edited Version)
“‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.(Leviticus 19:15,NIV)
God, we thank You for enabling the Supreme Court of India to uphold both the rule of law and religious freedom in this alleged forced-conversion case, rather than yielding to Hindu nationalist pressure. May this ruling become a strong precedent so that fair judgment will be given in other similar cases and Christians will be protected from injustice. Lord, thwart the schemes of Satan, who seeks to persecute the church and stir up unrighteousness, and strengthen Your church in India to stand firmly in truth, revealing that You alone are the God who establishes justice and righteousness.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
