New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday (March 20) rebuked the Uttar Pradesh government for invoking offences under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 in a case of alleged rape.

While hearing a bail plea on Thursday, a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar slammed the state government for invoking the Conversion Act “for nothing”.

" Leave it, in fact, I am also surprised, I don't want to use the word, the state police is also biased...how can it be ? The facts speak for themselves, and you are invoking that Conversion Act for nothing," said CJI Khanna, reported LiveLaw.

The petitioner in the case, who is accused of alleged rape and unlawful conversion and is presently lodged in jail, had earlier submitted in the court that the case was of a consensual relationship and wrong allegations were made against him.

"There is nothing in it....you are not being fair in this, the state is not being fair in this....facts speak for themselves. And invoking the conversion act? Uncalled for! absolutely uncalled for," said CJI Khanna while hearing the bail plea of the petitioner.

The court granted liberty to the state to file reply or rejoinder if any within two weeks.

In recent years, several instances have come up wherein people from marginalised communities have been falsely charged for converting people and were later acquitted by courts.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.