Aryavarth (New Delhi): The Supreme Court of India, on Friday, ordered a stay on the criminal trial of a person accused of forcibly converting a family to Christianity in Madhya Pradesh. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, highlighted that the local court continued the trial despite an earlier commitment from the counsel for Madhya Pradesh that judicial proceedings would be halted until January 5, 2024.
This case involves Christian missionary Ajai Lall, who is challenging his prosecution. On December 15, 2023, the Supreme Court first heard Lall’s plea and subsequently issued notices to the Madhya Pradesh government and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Lall, informed the bench that despite assurances given by Madhya Pradesh’s counsel on December 15, the local court proceeded with the trial. In response, Chief Justice Chandrachud stated that the Supreme Court would stay further proceedings in the trial court until the petition is resolved, to prevent any further confusion.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state government, opposed this suspension, arguing that it would delay a case concerning a “very serious” issue. The bench queried how the offense of human trafficking under section 370 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was applicable in this case, as there were no allegations of such nature.
Mehta acknowledged that he was not defending the lower court’s decision to continue the trial but expressed concern that a stay on proceedings until the apex court resolves the plea could lead to unnecessary delays.
The criminal case against Lall was initiated following a complaint by the NCPCR, which was spurred by a viral video. In the video, a woman claimed that she, along with her husband and children, were coerced into converting to Christianity in exchange for money. She alleged harassment by the petitioner when they ceased attending church. This stay by the Supreme Court reflects the judiciary’s role in overseeing lower court proceedings and ensuring adherence to legal commitments.