Full Breakdown
Allahabad High Court Orders Production of Man Allegedly Detained After Interfaith Conversion and Marriage
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Core Event: Court Order for Production
On September 9, 2026, Justice Sandeep Jain of the Allahabad High Court issued a habeas-corpus order directing Uttar Pradesh authorities and the father of 31-year-old Ayush Malik to produce the man before the court on September 16, 2026. The petition, filed by Malik’s friend Mohammad Sultan, alleges that Malik is being illegally detained after voluntarily converting from Hinduism to Islam and marrying a Muslim woman, Chandni Qureshi, against his father’s wishes. The bench warned that failure to produce Malik would require the state officials and his father to file personal affidavits explaining the non-production and steps taken to secure his presence.
Background & Context
The dispute arises under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, which criminalises conversions deemed induced by force, fraud, or inducement. After Malik’s conversion and subsequent marriage to Qureshi, his father, Devraj Singh Malik—owner of Bharat Medicos—lodged an FIR on June 6, 2026, at Shamli police station. The FIR named Qureshi, her father Islam Qureshi, and several relatives, charging them under Sections 5(1) and 3 of the 2021 Act, as well as multiple offences from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (including sections 308(5), 351(3), 61(2), 338, 336(3) and 318(4)).
Key Figures
- Ayush Malik / Mohammad Ali – 31-year-old B.Pharm graduate who, according to the petition, voluntarily renounced Hinduism and embraced Islam before marrying Qureshi.
- Chandni Qureshi – Muslim physiotherapist, aged 28 at the time of marriage, named in the FIR.
- Devraj Singh Malik – Father of Ayush, businessman, alleged that his son was “brain-washed” and filed the FIR.
- Justice Sandeep Jain – High Court judge hearing the habeas-corpus petition.
Data & Statistics
- Age of petitioner: 31 years.
- Date of FIR: June 6, 2026.
- Statutory provisions invoked: Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act 2021 (Secs 5(1), 3) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Secs 308(5), 351(3), 61(2), 338, 336(3), 318(4)).
- Scheduled production date: September 16, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Justice Jain noted that the petition’s allegations of “illegal detention” and alleged collusion of state officials are “serious in nature” and merit immediate judicial consideration. Devraj Singh Malik, in statements to the press, claimed his son was “brain-washed” by Qureshi and that the conversion occurred in 2023, prompting the FIR.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The court order does not resolve this discrepancy.
- Marriage date: One source indicates the marriage took place in 2022; other reports do not specify a year.
- Detention details: The petition alleges Malik is being held by his father with state assistance, but the court has not yet verified the location or conditions of any detention.
Verbatim Quotes
- “From a perusal of the documents annexed with the writ petition, it prima facie appears that Ayush Malik has voluntarily renounced Hinduism and embraced Islam and, thereafter, solemnised marriage with Chandni Qureshi against the wishes of his father.” — Justice Sandeep Jain
What’s Next
If Malik is not produced on September 16, 2026, the court has ordered the state respondents and his father to submit personal affidavits detailing the reasons for non-production and the measures taken to secure his appearance. The matter is listed for fresh hearing on that date.
