Deepali Kalia-
The Delhi High Court extended the interim protection granted to a Hindu woman who had converted to Islam till July 22nd.
The woman had sought protection on the claim that she and her family were being subjected to a witch hunt by the Uttar Pradesh Police officials and hence, their lives were in danger.
It was directed by Justice Rekha Palli in the instant case that on the next date of hearing an advance copy of the petition be served upon the State of Uttar Pradesh.
The Court ordered “Despite service of advance notice, none appears for Respondents 4 and 5. It appears that the primary grievance raised the petitioner is against respondents no 4 and 5. Before any orders are passed against respondents no 4 and 5 who are situated beyond the jurisdiction of this Court, it is deemed appropriate to hear them. In these circumstances, let an Advance copy of the petition be served to standing counsel of UP in Supreme Court. In the meantime, interim orders to continue. List on 22 July.”
Advocate Tanya Agarwal who appeared on behalf of the petitioner submitted that the petitioner “Is a 29-year-old girl. She has been residing in Delhi for the past 11 years. She was converted here in Delhi only” and the primary apprehension of the petitioner was that she’ll be taken back to UP and be converted again.
Previously, the Court had granted the interim protection to the woman till July 5th and had directed the Delhi Police to ensure the safety of the woman from Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The Petitioner, a working woman from Delhi who originally belongs to UP stated that on May 27, 2021, she had converted to Islam of her own free will. Since the conversion, she and her family have become targets and false, imaginary details are being published every day about her in the media, the petitioner contended.
In her plea, the petitioner has sought directions to the media to not publish malicious content about her and her personal details and if done so, the same be removed immediately.
The petition also prayed that directions be given to ensure she is not taken away from the jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court by force or coercion or by any other illegal means by State agencies of any other person.The petitioner also sought directions to the respondent agencies of the State of UP not to harass the petitioner or any other person who has not converted in the State of UP and on whom the provisions of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance, 2020 do not apply.