Allahabad High Court Clears Path for Man’s Conversion from Islam to Sanatan Dharma, Directs Completion of Legal Formalities

The Allahabad High Court has closed a petition filed by a Prayagraj resident after authorities approved his request to convert from Islam to Sanatan Dharma under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

The case was brought by Anil Pandit, also known as Mohammad Ahasan, who had applied for religious conversion in 2022. His request remained pending for years and was eventually rejected by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in 2024. The rejection was linked to an FIR lodged by the father of his Hindu wife, who had objected to their marriage.

When the matter reached the High Court, the Bench observed in earlier proceedings that the focus should be on whether the conversion was voluntary and lawful, rather than on disputes arising from the marriage. The Court therefore directed the authorities to reconsider the application.

Following the Court's intervention, the ADM passed a fresh order on May 14, 2026, approving the conversion request. During the latest hearing, the State informed the Court about this development.

Taking note of the approval, the Bench of Justice Ajit Kumar and Justice Indrajeet Shukla directed the ADM to complete the remaining statutory procedures within four weeks. The Court also asked the petitioner to take steps to update his name in official records, including educational and other government documents.

Since the main relief sought by the petitioner had already been granted, the High Court disposed of the matter, bringing the long-pending dispute to an end.