The Allahabad High Court has directed the authorities and the father of a 31-year-old man, Ayush Malik, to produce him before the Court after allegations that he was being illegally detained following his conversion to Islam and marriage to Chandni Qureshi.
Justice Sandeep Jain passed the order on September 9, 2026, in a habeas corpus petition filed by Sultan, described as a friend of Ayush Malik.
Background
According to the petitioner's counsel, Ayush Malik voluntarily renounced Hinduism and embraced Islam without coercion, undue influence or inducement. He subsequently married Chandni Qureshi against the wishes of his father, Devraj Singh Malik.
The petition alleged that Ayush's father thereafter lodged an FIR dated June 6, 2026, against Chandni and her relatives under provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The petitioner further alleged that Ayush was being kept in illegal custody with the assistance of State authorities.
After examining the material placed before it, the Court said the documents “prima facie” indicated that Ayush had voluntarily converted and married against his father's wishes.
The Court also observed that the allegations concerning his alleged illegal detention and the involvement of State authorities were serious and required immediate consideration.
The High Court issued notice to respondent No. 4 and directed that steps be taken within three days. The State authorities and respondent No. 4 were directed to ensure Ayush Malik's production before the Court on September 16, 2026.
The Court further directed that if Ayush was not produced, respondents 2 and 3 would have to file personal affidavits explaining the reasons and the steps taken to secure his production.
The matter was listed afresh for September 16.
Case Details
Case Title: Ayush Malik And Another v. State Of U.P. And 3 Others
Case Number: Habeas Corpus Writ Petition No. 1307 of 2026
Judge: Justice Sandeep Jain
Decision Date: September 9, 2026
