Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Allahabad Court Upholds Women’s Right to Convert and Marry
The Allahabad High Court said that adult women can choose to change their religion and marry whoever they want.
Two sisters, Divya and Anshu, had become Muslim and wanted to marry men of another faith.
Their father and some police officers were accused of keeping them locked up.
The court wants to see the sisters on August 6 to make sure they are free to decide.
If the sisters aren’t brought, the police must explain why.
The court will decide if the sisters’ choices are truly their own.
Allahabad High Court ruled that adult women cannot be forced to change religion or marriage decisions.
Court directed Uttar Pradesh authorities to bring sisters Divya Bhatia (20) and Anshu Bhatia (35) on Aug. 6 to confirm voluntary action.
Petition alleged father and police illegally confined the sisters after they converted to Islam.
Court emphasized interference would violate constitutional rights to dignity, privacy, liberty, and decisional autonomy.
If sisters are not produced, police must file affidavits explaining non‑compliance.
- Who
- Justice Sandeep Jain and Allahabad High Court
- What
- Ruling that adult women cannot be forced to change religion or marriage decisions
- When
- Hearing scheduled for August 6
- Where
- Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Why
- To ensure the sisters’ decisions were voluntary and not coerced
- Court
- Allahabad High Court
- Judge
- Justice Sandeep Jain
- Petitioners
- Divya Bhatia (20) and Anshu Bhatia (35)
- Hearing Date
- August 6
- Case Type
- Habeas Corpus Petition
- Location
- Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Subject
- Women’s religious conversion and marriage
- Order
- No interference allowed; produce sisters
