Man booked under anti-conversion law remained in Ghaziabad jail 28 days after bail; state acknowledges administrative lapse
June 27, 2025 — The Uttar Pradesh government has granted a compensation of ₹5 lakh to a man who was released 28 days late from Ghaziabad district jail despite being granted bail by the Supreme Court. The man had been booked under the state’s anti-conversion law and was ordered to be released on April 29, but jail authorities only freed him on June 24.
According to officials, the Supreme Court had granted bail to the accused, whose identity has not been disclosed, citing a lack of sufficient evidence for prolonged detention. However, despite clear directions from the apex court, the release order was not executed promptly by jail officials, leading to an extended and unlawful stay behind bars.
The incident sparked criticism from legal experts, activists, and opposition leaders, who called it a gross violation of fundamental rights and due process. They demanded accountability from the state administration and sought immediate corrective action to prevent such lapses in the future.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh Home Department launched an internal inquiry into the delay. Preliminary findings pointed to administrative negligence and poor communication between court officials and the prison department. The state government acknowledged the error and moved quickly to offer monetary compensation.
“The delay in the execution of the Supreme Court’s bail order was due to serious procedural oversight. The government has taken this matter seriously and provided a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the affected individual,” a senior official from the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement.
The case has reignited debate around the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Critics of the law allege that it is often misused to target individuals from minority communities and restrict personal freedoms. The extended detention, even after bail, has intensified concerns regarding misuse of power and procedural inefficiencies.
Legal experts have emphasized the need for reforms in the communication channels between courts and prisons. “This case underlines a systemic problem where the delay in documentation or transmission of court orders results in unlawful detention. It’s a denial of liberty and must be addressed institutionally,” said retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice (Retd.) Rajendra Malhotra.
Opposition parties have also weighed in. The Samajwadi Party and Congress criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led government for failing to uphold basic legal safeguards and demanded accountability for jail officials involved in the delay.
As the inquiry continues, the state has assured that disciplinary action will be taken against those found responsible. The incident has added pressure on the UP government to implement tighter checks within the prison system to prevent future occurrences.
The ₹5 lakh compensation, while seen as a step toward justice, has also raised larger questions about systemic reforms and the protection of individual rights under the rule of law.
