# Allahabad High Court religious conversion custody disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/allahabad-high-court-religious-conversion-custody-disputes
> Updated: 2026-09-16T11:44:23.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

The Allahabad High Court has been involved in several habeas corpus petitions regarding individuals allegedly held in illegal custody following religious conversions in Uttar Pradesh.

In one instance, the court ordered the release of two adult sisters from their father’s custody, ruling that their detention was unlawful. The court noted that “the legality of the conversion and the legality of their detention constitute two distinct and independent issues,” suggesting conversion disputes be handled by other forums.

In a subsequent case, the court ordered authorities to produce Ayush Malik, who was allegedly being held against his will by his family after converting to Islam to marry Chandni Qureshi. This case followed the arrest of Qureshi and her father under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, with Malik’s family alleging the conversion was coerced for property access.

In a final ruling on the matter, Justice Sandeep Jain declared that Malik is free to live according to his own choices, stating there was “no lawful justification” for his restraint. The court emphasized that an adult’s choice of religion and marriage is a “matter of individual autonomy.” Malik testified that his conversion was voluntary and without coercion. The High Court directed the Shamli Police not to interfere with Malik and granted him the liberty to reside with his wife at a location of his choosing.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Allahabad High Court frees man following voluntary conversion to Islam

The Allahabad High Court has upheld the right to individual autonomy, freeing Ayush Malik and affirming his voluntary conversion to Islam and his right to live with his wife.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/allahabad-high-court-frees-man-following-voluntary-conversion-to-islam

### 2026-09-11: Allahabad High Court orders production of man held by family after conversion

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the production of a man allegedly held captive by his family following his religious conversion and marriage. Separately, a Lucknow man facilitated his wife's marriage to a'

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lucknow-man-assists-wife-in-marrying-lover-after-refusal-to-return-home

### 2026-08-22: Allahabad High Court orders release of two sisters from father's custody

The Allahabad High Court ordered the release of two adult sisters from their father's custody, ruling that their detention was illegal while noting that religious conversion remains a separate legal matter.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/allahabad-high-court-orders-release-of-two-sisters-from-fathers-custody

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Cite as: Allahabad High Court religious conversion custody disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/allahabad-high-court-religious-conversion-custody-disputes