Supreme Court Grants Bail to Man Jailed Under Uttarakhand Religious Freedom Law, Cites Valid Interfaith Marriage

Delhi: In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Aman Siddiqui alias Aman Chaudhary, who was arrested under the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act for marrying a woman from a different faith. The apex court underscored that both individuals were consenting adults who married with full awareness of each other’s religion and in the presence of their respective families.

While granting bail, the court made it clear that the state cannot object to the couple’s union or cohabitation when both families have given their approval. The bench observed that the marriage was neither forced nor concealed and did not fall under any prohibited provisions of the law.

Siddiqui had been in custody for nearly six months following an FIR lodged at Rudrapur police station in Udham Singh Nagar district. The complaint, filed by certain distant relatives of the woman and supported by unnamed organisations, alleged violations under Sections 3 and 5 of the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act as well as Sections 318(4) and 319 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Earlier, the Uttarakhand High Court had rejected Siddiqui’s bail application, prompting his legal team to approach the Supreme Court. Defending his client, Siddiqui’s lawyer informed the court that the marriage was arranged with the full knowledge and blessings of both families. He also emphasized that opposition to the union emerged only after the ceremony, instigated by outside individuals and groups who had no stake in the couple’s personal choices.

Assuring the court of their peaceful intentions, the lawyer further stated that the couple intended to live independently, away from family interference, and would abide by the law without causing any disturbance.