New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has approved bail for an individual charged under the IPC and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021, noting that the Allahabad High Court failed to consider significant factors when denying his request.

A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan ordered that the petitioner, Vishal Rana, also known as Tabish Asghar, be released on bail immediately, subject to conditions set by the trial court.

The apex court addressed a special leave petition (SLP) contesting a November 14, 2025, ruling from the Allahabad High Court, which had refused bail to the accused in a case filed at the Sector 113 police station in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Noida.

The FIR included charges under Sections 323, 506, and 313 of the IPC, along with Sections 3 and 5(1) of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.

Considering the progress of the trial, the Justice Pardiwala-led bench pointed out that the charge sheet had already been submitted and the case was currently before a sessions court in Noida, with only one witness having been examined thus far.

Furthermore, the bench noted that the petitioner had been in custody since December 3, 2024. “It is unfortunate that the petitioner remains in judicial custody as an under-trial prisoner for over one and a half years in this type of case,” the Supreme Court commented.

The Justice Pardiwala-led bench determined that some crucial elements had been ignored by the Allahabad High Court when it denied bail. It emphasized that the complainant had visited the accused in jail three times during his detention. “This speaks for itself,” the apex court remarked, mentioning that both parties had also submitted a joint petition to the Allahabad High Court seeking protection due to fears for their lives and safety, which was granted.

The order also referenced a Facebook conversation presented as evidence, indicating that the complainant was aware of the accused's religious affiliation. “This point was also not considered by the High Court while evaluating the overall situation,” stated the Justice Pardiwala-led bench.

In its contested ruling, the Allahabad High Court had denied bail, stating that “prima facie, the involvement of the accused in the present case cannot be dismissed” and that “no case for bail is established,” given the seriousness of the allegations.

The Allahabad High Court also noted the prosecution’s claim that the accused allegedly concealed his religious identity, entered into a relationship and marriage with the complainant, and subsequently pressured her to convert to Islam, alongside accusations of forced abortion and threats to her life.

Conversely, the defense contended that the relationship was consensual and maintained that the allegations arose from personal disputes following differences between the parties.

In granting the appeal, the Supreme Court clarified that the petitioner should be released on bail “immediately, unless required for any other case,” leaving it up to the trial court to impose suitable terms and conditions.

The apex court concluded the petition, making it clear that it was not expressing any views on the merits of the case, which would be determined during the trial.