The Delhi High Court has granted transit anticipatory bail to a Delhi-based lawyer whose brother faces serious charges under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. The case also involves allegations of cheating, breach of trust, and abetment to suicide.
The complaint was filed by the father of a woman who was engaged to the lawyer’s brother, Faraz Athar. The woman reportedly committed suicide at her Ghaziabad home on December 11.
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The petitioner, Advocate Kashif, sought protection from arrest, arguing that his involvement in the case was limited to allegedly sending a letter to his brother from the complainant. The letter reportedly stated that the complainant had no objection to his daughter marrying a Muslim man. Kashif’s counsel, Advocate Sumit Gehlot, maintained that no evidence linked the petitioner to the woman’s suicide.
Justice Vikas Mahajan granted transit anticipatory bail, considering Kashif’s residence in Delhi and the circumstances of the case. The court emphasized its jurisdiction in granting such relief, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Priya Indoria vs. State of Karnataka and Others. The bail is valid until the next hearing on January 9.
According to the complainant, the woman set herself on fire using kerosene at her Ghaziabad home. An FIR was subsequently lodged against Faraz Athar, his mother, sister, and Advocate Kashif. The police allege that Faraz forced the woman to convert to Islam for marriage, which led to her suicide.
The engagement took place on November 24 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Noida, with both families present. Faraz, who resides in Noida, has been arrested and faces charges of abetment to suicide and forced conversion.