Punjab & Haryana High Court Asks CBI To Delve Deep Into Issue Of Suspected 'Illegal Religious Conversions'

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has reiterated that the CBI needs to delve deep into the roots of the cause of suspected illegal religious conversions, in the name of inter-faith marriage.

Justice Sandeep Moudgil directed so upon coming across a case involving inter-faith marriage solemnized in an autorickshaw, without any witnesses.

Reiterating its earlier order, the Court said, "it is a matter where Central Bureau of Investigation needs to be requested to delve deep into the roots of the cause and concern raised herein i.e. apprehensions and suspicion of illegal conversion of religion particularly in the light and manner in which the present marriage has been projected to have been solemnized has raised serious doubts on its very solemnization itself."

The CBI had moved an application under Section 482 Cr.P.C seeking clarification and modification of Court's earlier order directing the central agency to probe the matter.

The application stated that in order to conduct a thorough probe, a specific direction would be required from the Court to the CBI for conducting a preliminary inquiry into the issues.

The Court allowed this application and directed the agency to apprise it on the next date of hearing, after conclusion of the preliminary inquiry.

The judge also directed DGP, UT Chandigarh to provide necessary manpower, as and when required by the CBI.

Mr. Mohd. Yousaf, Advocate for Mr. Harjinder Singh, Advocate for the petitioners.

Mr. J.S. Rattu, DAG, Punjab.

Mr. Parteek Gupta, Advocate for respondent-CBI.

Title: XXXX v. STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS