Representation to DM Cannot Substitute Pre-Conversion Declaration in Schedule-I Format Under Section 8 of the UP Anti-Conversion Law: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court has recently clarified the legal requirement under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, that any person intending to convert their religion must submit a pre-conversion declaration in a specific prescribed format. The Court emphasized that a mere representation or request to the District Magistrate (DM) cannot substitute for this mandatory declaration, as stipulated in Section 8 of the Act. Background of…