Allahabad High Court orders release of two sisters from father's custody

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the release of two sisters, Anshu Bhatia and Diya Bhatia, from the custody of their father, Anil Kumar Bhatia, following a habeas corpus petition. The court ruled that the sisters, who are adults, were being unlawfully detained against their will.

Justice Sandeep Jain clarified that the court’s decision pertains strictly to the issue of illegal detention and does not address the legality of the women’s alleged religious conversion. The judge noted that “the legality of the conversion and the legality of their detention constitute two distinct and independent issues,” stating that conversion matters should be handled by the appropriate competent forums.