The Supreme Court has granted bail to Vishal Rana, also known as Tabish Asghar, who was charged under the IPC and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021. The court noted that crucial aspects were overlooked by the Allahabad High Court when rejecting his plea. Rana is to be released on bail subject to conditions set by the trial court.
A special leave petition challenging the Allahabad High Court’s denial of bail to Rana was heard by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan. The case was related to an incident at Sector 113 police station in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Noida. The FIR included sections of the IPC and the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.
The Supreme Court observed that the charge sheet had been filed, and the case was ongoing in a Noida sessions court with only one witness examined so far. The court expressed concern over Rana being in custody since December 3, 2024, for more than a year and a half. The apex court highlighted that certain aspects were not considered by the High Court while rejecting bail.
Notably, the Allahabad High Court had refused bail, citing the gravity of the allegations and the accused’s potential involvement in the case. The defence argued that the relationship between Rana and the complainant was consensual, with allegations arising from personal disputes. The Supreme Court clarified that Rana should be released on bail immediately, subject to the trial court’s terms and conditions.
