5th IILS NATIONAL MOOT

COURT COMPETITION, 2021

(Virtual Mode)

Organized by:

THE MOOT COURT SOCIETY

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF LEGAL STUDIES
Post Graduate and Advanced Research Studies in Law

DAGAPUR, SILIGURI, P.O. SALBARI, DIST. DARJEELING, PIN-734002

Tel: 0353-2960665/ 2960668, Website: www.iilsindia.com
26th June – 27thJune, 2021

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About the Event
Indian Institute of Legal Studies, Siliguri is pleased to announce its 5th IILS National Moot
Court Competition to be held (Virtual Mode) from 26th June - 27th June, 2021. The
competition is being organized for the purpose of acquiring domain knowledge, developing
professional skills and its application in the practical world. The competition strives to give a
platform to the budding lawyers of our country to imbibe the analytical skills in the real time
situations. The ultimate aim is to engage with students and allow them to have the first-hand
experience of the complexities of law.

With immense pleasure, we take this opportunity to invite your esteemed University/ Institute
for active participation in the Virtual Moot Court Competition. We would be delighted to have
your competitive presence at our event. A copy of the detailed rules and regulations is
attached herewith for your kind reference.

We are looking forward for your participation in the event.

Thanking you,

Warm Regards,

Convenor
Moot Court Society
Indian Institute of Legal Studies, Siliguri

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About the Institute

The Indian Institute of Legal Studies situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in the
Terrai-Dooars confluence bestowing it with natural landscape, sharing boundaries with the
SAARC nations. The Indian Institute of Legal Studies is affiliated to the University of North
Bengal and is recognized by the Bar Council of India and approved under Sections 2(f) & 12-
B of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. The institute is accredited by the National
Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). IILS offers law programs for both 5 years
integrated courses in B.A. LL. B (Hons.), B.Com. LL. B (Hons) and BBA LL. B (Hons) and
3 years LL.B. it also offers 2 years LL.M program and 2 year’s Master’s Program in Public
Administration and Governance.

The role of an academic institution in the present context, especially a law school is unique
and distinctive. Indian Institute of Legal Studies adheres to fulfilling the basic tenets of
providing legal education by creating modern and necessary infrastructure, good faculty
members and staffs and lay emphasize on methods of teaching, clinical experiences and
assessment of teaching. It is necessary that law and its interpretations change with time and
are able to confront the challenges that are paused by the social, economic and political
transformations in the society.

The Indian Institute of Legal Studies acts as a transformer or rather a catalyst in Socio-
Economic-Legal transformation and through its research-based education aims at establishing
law-abiding citizens and thereby helps shape the quality of ‘Rule of Law’ in the society.

IILS always promotes the academic culture and proper research environment by creating
greater opportunity for faculty and students to undertake original and serious research on
identifiable issues relating to law and justice that affects the Indian society which in turn
serves as a facilitator to the efficient and effective administration of justice.

Such aims can be fulfilled by comparative research and institutional partnership on faculty
and student exchange basis and methods which shall be mutually beneficial.

IILS ensures that the teaching-learning process is initiated through methods which are unique.
Giving global exposure to the young legal minds is one of the primary objectives of this
institute. Organizing Moot Court Competitions is one of such initiatives. In this context,
Indian institute of Legal Studies takes this opportunity in organizing its 1st Virtual National
Moot Court Competition, 2021 to be held from 26th to 27th June, 2021.

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Message from
The Chairman
At the foremost, I, thank you for giving
me this opportunity for me to express my
profound thoughts about legal education.

The idea of setting up the Indian Institute

of Legal Studies originates from such
conceptions by way of contributing to the
society in my own small ways. Even the
Almighty showered all its blessings upon
me in my Endeavour- by removing all
the thrones and spikes and mother nature
also chipping in, which is evident from
the fact- IILS- like a baby in the arms of
nature-bestowed with all the natural
beauty being set up in the foothills of the
Shri Joyjit Choudhury Himalayas- and the majestic mountain
Kanchenjungha in the background. There
Founder Chairman is a latin maxim- ‘Re Ipsa Loquitor’-
which means ‘the things speak for itself’-
Indian Institute of Legal Studies IILS speaks for itself.

The need of the hour is not only pro-active legislature or judicial activism but legal education
particularly. IILS is playing a vital role in reformation of law through legal research and
survey, facilitating new Lawson any contemporary issue or changing or amending the
existing law/s, which is not adequate for their proper implementation.

IILS does not restrict itself the methods of legal training but paramount in its mind is to
provide with a ‘social vision’, believing that law is not merely an instrument of ‘social
control’ but also an instrument of ‘social change’. IILS aspires to base its educational
curricula not only on mainstream law syllabus but offers applied law programs which led to
sustaining good legal talent by promoting excellence in teaching and research.

There is a distance between the ‘law in books’ and the ‘law in reality’ which is ever
widening. If Indian society is to wake up to this challenge and for good governance to be
based only on ‘Rule of Law’, it is essential that all school education play an active and
responsible role. The future development in India requires scholars/students to develop
research inputs on the various contemporary issues, for better understanding in the reform of
law.

It has always been my effort and relentless persuasions of making IILS an institution of
recognition and aspiring to impart legal education in a holistic manner and further inculcating

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into the students the spirit of freedom, commitment, humanity, modesty towards own self, the
society and the country.

Thus, I, take this opportunity to invite your esteemed institution to be a part of the 5th IILS
National Moot Court Competition, 2021 (Virtual Mode) and take away the same values
and skills, which shall transform the aspiring young minds into agents of social
transformation and to uphold the ‘Rule of Law’ in its true sense.

My best wishes with the participants.

JOYJIT CHOUDHURY

Hon’ble Founder Chairman

Indian Institute of Legal Studies

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Message from
The Principal
The process of becoming a perfect advocate is a career-long journey that begins in law
schools. Legal-writings which culminate in writing a moot court brief and conducting moot
court oral arguments, teach students to think like lawyers, a skill fundamental to practicing
law and a necessary attribute to the good administration of justice. The thought process
requires law students to read and write in a new language, the language of the law. Speaking
and writing in legal jargon, thinking like a lawyer, involves understanding how asking and
answering questions can address and resolve uncertainties and ambiguities. Moot court
teaches students advocacy skills to solve legal problems and enhances the three most
important skills: starting an argument with a conclusion, differentiating fact from opinion and
organizing a legal argument by an `Issue' rather than by a chronological narrative of the facts.
Moot court also teaches students professionalism and ethics, how to apply law(s) to fact(s),
how to structure and rank a legal argument by strength and not to assert, losing propositions.
By giving law students opportunities to improve their legal writings, legal researches and oral
advocacy in a competitive environment prepares students for a competitive world. It is,
perhaps, the most significant activity that develops all the said skills every lawyer needs to
possess i.e., Advocacy colloquially.

The Indian Institute of Legal Studies has been rigorously ensuring that the law students get
ample exposure in moot courting at the class rooms as also outdoors by organizing Moot
Court Competitions, and attain all the Advocacy skills with the requisite character as a
lawyer. Following the same, the Institute sets out to organize the 5th IILS National Moot
Court Competition (in virtual mode) from 26th June –27th June, 2021.

I wish the organizers and the participants a brilliant success.

Prof. (Dr.) Ganesh Ji Tiwari

Principal
Indian Institute of Legal Studies

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 INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF LEGAL STUDIES
5th IILS NATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2021
(Virtual Mode)

26thJune – 27th June, 2021

Respected Head of the Institution,

Indian Institute of Legal Studies popularly known as IILS is cordially invites your esteemed
institution to participate in the 5th IILS National Moot Court Competition, 2021 scheduled
to be held from 26thJune – 27th June, 2021 in the Virtual mode via Video Conferencing.
Indian Institute of legal studies firmly believes in the holistic development of students
through moots and other co-curricular activities.

We would like to invite your prestigious institution to participate in this particular moot court
competition and contribute to make it a great success.

Warm Regards

Principal
Indian Institute of Legal Studies.

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 Official Rules and regulations

The following are the Rules and Regulations for the 5thIILS National Moot Court
Competition, 2021 to be organized at the Indian Institute of Legal Studies, Siliguri
from 26thJune – 27th June, 2021.

For the purpose of these rules, the following terms shall mean:

(1) “Competition” means the 5th IILS National Moot Court Competition
Organized by the Indian Institute of Legal Studies, Siliguri.
(2) “Judge” means any person appointed to adjudicate/evaluate a
participating team’s memorial and oral submissions.
(3) “Memorial” means the written pleadings of each participating team,
written and submitted pursuant to these rules.
(4) “Organizers” means Indian Institute of Legal Studies, Siliguri.
(5) “Participating Institution” shall be presumed to be the parent Law
College/University/ Department of the participating team.
(6) “ParticipatingTeam” means the team which has registered itself for the
Competition.
(7) “SelectedTeam”means the participating team qualifying from the
Elimination Stage to the Preliminary Round.
(8) “Penalty” means points deducted in case of violation of any rule.

It should be duly noted that:

1. These rules are only inclusive and not exhaustive. If there is any situation
which is not contemplated in the Official Rules and Regulations, the
decision of the college authority on the same shall be final.
2. The Organizers reserve the right to vary, alter, modify, or repeal any of
the rules if so required and as they may deem appropriate.

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3. The Organizers decision as regards to the interpretation of Official Rules
and Regulations or any other matter related to the competition shall be
final.
4. Imposition of penalties including disqualification rests solely with the
Organizers in case of failure to comply with the rule(s) or deadline(s).
5. The Organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action against any
participating team for any unethical, unprofessional and immoral
conduct.
6. The Team-ID issued to each participating team shall be their sole source
of identity throughout the competition.
7. Any kind of Scouting is strictly prohibited during all oral rounds.

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IMPORTANT DATES

Release of Moot Problem 23rd May, 2021

Last Date of Provisional Registration 12thJune, 2021

Assignment of Team IDs 14th June, 2021

Last Date to seek Clarification 16th June, 2021

Last Date to Submit Soft Copy of Memorials 19th June, 2021

Selection of Memorials and intimation to the

teams 22nd June, 2021

Last Date for Submission of soft Copies of

Registration Form and payment of
registration fees Online 23rd June, 2021

Draw of Lots
24th June, 2021

Researcher’s Test and Preliminary Rounds 26thJune,2021

SEMI-FINALS and FINAL Rounds 27th June, 2021

A. GENERAL
1. Indian Institute of Legal Studies shall be organizing the 5th IILS National
Moot Court Competition from 26thJune – 27th June, 2021

2. The official working language of the competition would be English.

3. Participation is open to law students pursuing either LL.B. (3 year or 5 year

integrated course) or any other equivalent law program, from any law
College/Department/University recognized by the Bar Council of India.

4. Each participating team shall comprise of three (3) members only,

consisting of two (2) speakers and one (1) researcher. However, a team may
comprise of only two (2) members, where one of the members has to act as both
the researcher as well as the speaker.

5. Every Participating institution shall register only one (1) team.

B. REGISTRATION

1. All interested teams are required to register themselves provisionally by

sending an e-mail to [email protected] latest by 12th June, 2021. The
subject should read as “Provisional Registration for 5thIILS National Moot
Court Competition, 2021”.

2. On successful completion of registration, a Team-ID would be

communicated. The Team-ID will be issued to each participating team.

3. All the Selected Teams shall register themselves for the competition by
payment of Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five Hundred only) as Registration Fees latest
by 22nd June, 2021 by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
with the scanned copy of the Registration Form and the scanned copy of the
online fee payment receipt.
Bank Details for online fee payment:
Account Name: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF LEGAL STUDIES
Account Number: 50100238749360
IFSC Code: HDFC0004155
Bank Name: HDFC BANK, Branch: Shivmandir
Branch Code: 4155

C. COMPETITION: ELIMINATION STAGE, ORAL ROUNDS AND

RESEARCHER TEST
1. All participating teams, registered for the competition are required to submit
the soft-copy of their memorials (in .pdf or in .docx format) latest by 19th June,
2021 by sending an e-mail to [email protected] subject should
read as Memorial Submission: Team Code <Team-ID>.

2. The competition shall consist of two stages:

I. Elimination Stage: All memorials shall be evaluated and marked

as per Rule D. Teams shall be selected according to the ranking of
memorial scores to participate in the Preliminary Rounds.
II. Preliminary Rounds: There shall be Preliminary Rounds
comprising of the Preliminary rounds, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals
and the Final Round.

3. The Preliminary Rounds of the 5th IILS National Moot Court Competition
shall take place at the Google Meet URL, link will be provided after the Final
selection of teams.

4. The dress code for the participants shall be proper Lawyer Attire i.e., white
shirt, black trousers, black tie, black shoes and black coat (for men) and Indian
Formals i.e. a combination of white and black along with black coat (for
women).

5. The teams shall make their own arrangements to comply with Rule C.4.
6. There shall be a Draw of Lots and Memorial Exchange before each
Preliminary Round, the side on which the Team will be arguing shall be decided
by draw of lots. The link for the same shall be sent to the participants.

7. The Teams will be e-mailed the soft copy of their opponent’s Written
Submission prior to the Preliminary rounds.

8. Written communication during the Preliminary rounds shall be limited to

electronic written communication among team members via “Chat Box” or
“Conversation” features on the app. No other verbal/non-verbal communication
shall take place.

9. The teams are allowed to use a compendium of cases and other materials
referred to in the memorials in the competition, provided the compendium
should not disclose the identity of the Participating Institution or the names of
the participants in any manner whatsoever.

10. During the Semi-Finals, a team will be credited with a win if their oral
score is greater than that of the opposing team. In case the oral score of the two
teams is the same, the memorial score shall be added to the oral score to credit a
win.

11. Two (2) teams shall advance to the Final. The team with the higher Round
Total shall be declared as the Winning Team. The team with the lower Round
Total shall be declared as the Runners-Up Team of the competition. In case the
oral score of the two teams is the same, the memorial score shall be added to the
oral score to credit a win.

12. Each team will have a maximum of 20 minutes to present their Oral
Submissions during the Preliminary Rounds, 25 minutes during the Semi-Finals
and 35 minutes during the Final. This will include the time that each team may
want to reserve for their Rebuttal / Sur-rebuttal (which should not be more than
5 minutes for any round).
13. No speaker will be permitted to address the Virtual Court for more than 12
minutes during the Preliminary Rounds including Rebuttal / Sur-rebuttal, 18
minutes during the Semi-Finals including Rebuttal / Sur-rebuttal and 23
minutes during the Final.

15. At the commencement of each Round, each team must notify the Court
Officer as to the division of time between the two (2) speakers and the amount
of time that the team reserves for their Rebuttal / Sur-rebuttal. A maximum of 5
minutes can be reserved for the Rebuttal / Sur-rebuttal.

16. Granting of additional time would be the discretion of the Judges.

Exceeding the time limit after the grant of additional time by the judges shall
attract penalty on the discretion of the Judge. The time would be noted down by
the Court Officer and in the absence of express instruction from the Judges, the
Court Officer would not presume that any extra time has been granted by the
Judges, hence it becomes the duty of the speaker to request the Judges for extra
time if the speaker wishes to continue to speak after the completion of the
allotted time.

17. All team members shall refrain from wearing, using or carrying in any form,
any identifying items, such as badges, blazers, pins or any other identifying
material(s) such as a books / bags with a College / Department / University /
Library logo or seal during the competition.

18. All Participants are expected to strictly maintain decorum in the Virtual
Court Room during the competition and are expected to conduct themselves in a
manner befitting the legal profession.

19. All research, writing and editing must be solely the product of the members
of the participating team. Persons other than the members of the participating
team are not permitted to research on the Problem Statement of the competition
or to provide any other kind of assistance to the participating members

20. During the course of oral submissions, the participants cannot submit to the
court any material containing pictorial representation whatsoever. Further the
participants will not be permitted to make any audio / visual representation nor
will they be allowed to use personal computers, laptops and any other technical
or mechanical device during their oral submissions.

21. If at any instance a submission is made with any material in violation to

Rule C.20 and if any picture, sketches, photos, cartoons, caricatures, audio film,
video film, projector-slide or a computer-generated image is submitted or
presented to court, the teams shall be subject to strict penalty including
disqualification.

22. No member of any team or any individual connected with any team shall be
permitted to hear the oral submissions in any court room in which that team is
not one of the contesting teams whilst that team is still in the competition. The
Organizers shall take strict action, including disqualification from the
competition, against any team found to be scouting through a team member or
through any other means.

MARKING CRITERIA FOR PRELIMINARY SUBMISSIONS

1. Each Judge will mark an individual speaker on a total of 100 marks.

2. The Round Total will be the aggregate of the total of the two (2) speakers.

3. The following will be the Marking Criteria and the Marks Allocated to
compute the Round Total for each team:

Sl. No. Marking Criteria Marks

1 Knowledge and Application of Relevant Law 20

2 Interpretation and Application of Facts 20

3 Ingenuity and Ability to Answer Questions 10

 4 Evidence of Original Thought 10

5 Organization and Flow of Arguments 10

6 Style, Poise, Courtesy and Demeanor 10

7 Reference to Memorials in the course of Arguments 10

8 Time Management 10

Total 100

4. The decision of the Judges as to the marks allotted to any team shall be final.

RESEARCHERS TEST

A Researchers Test would be held on 26th June, 2021 via video conferencing. In
the preliminary round, each team shall argue only once.

D. MEMORIALS

1. Last day for the submission of soft copies of memorials without penalty is
23rd June, 2021. Late submission of the memorials will attract a two (2) marks
penalty per day. No memorial shall be accepted after 24thJune, 2021.

2. All participating teams must submit memorials for both Petitioner and
Respondent for the Problem Statement.

3. All participating teams must submit typed memorials fulfilling the following
specifications:

(i) The memorials shall contain the following:

a) Cover Page
b) Table of Contents
c) Index of Authority
d) Statement of Jurisdiction
e) Statement of Facts
 f) Issues Involved
g) Summary of Arguments
h) Body of Arguments
i) Prayer

(ii) The Team ID should be clearly mentioned on the top right corner of the
Cover Page in the following manner:

Suppose the Team ID allotted is TC 27, then it should appear as TC 27_P on

the Petitioner’s Memorial and as TC 27_R on the Respondent’s Memorial.

The Cover Page, along with the Team ID shall essentially consist of:

a) The name and place of the forum

b) The relevant legal provision for filing the suit/petition
c) Name of the parties and their standing (Petitioner or Respondent)
d) Memorial filed on behalf of…
e) Counsel appearing on behalf of…

(iii) The memorial shall not exceed thirty (30) pages, including the Body of
Arguments, which shall not be more than twenty (20) pages.

(iv) The memorials shall be typed on A4 size pages in Font type: Times New
Roman, Font Size: 12, Line spacing: 1.5- and 1-inch margin on each side.
Footnotes should be in Font type: Times New Roman, Font Size: 10 and Line
spacing: 1. Use of Blue Book 20th Edition citation format shall be adhered to.
There shall page numbering at the middle bottom of the page and paragraph
numbering.

(v) The memorials shall not contain any Annexure / Photographs / Sketches /
Exhibits / Affidavit etc. Violation of the said provision will attract deduction of
marks.

(vi) The identity of the Participating Institution or the names of the

participants if revealed in the memorials in any manner would amount to
disqualification.
(vii) The Cover Page of the Memorial from the side of the Petitioner shall be
Blue in color and from the side of the Respondent shall be Red in color. Spiral
binding of memorial is mandatory.

MARKING CRITERIA FOR THE MEMORIALS

1. Every participating team shall be marked on a total of 100 marks. There

shall be separate marking for the Petitioner and Respondent memorials.

2. The following shall be the marking criteria and the allocation of marks to
each category:

Sl. No. Marking Criteria Marks

1 Knowledge and Application of Facts and Law 25

2 Depth and Quality of Research 25

3 Proper and Articulate Analysis 20

4 Clarity and Organization 10

5 Citation of Authorities and Referencing 10

6 Grammar and Style 10

Total 100
E. AWARDS

1. The following awards along with cash prize shall be presented:

i. Winning Team: Rs 10,000.

ii. Runners-Up Team: Rs 5,000.
iii. Best Speaker: Rs 3,000.
iv. Best Researcher: Rs 3,000.

2. In addition to the above awards, a certificate of participation will be given to

all the teams participating in the competition.

F. COPYRIGHT
1. The copyright over the memorials submitted for the purpose of the
competition shall be deemed to be assigned by the participants and the
Participating Institution completely and fully with the Organizers. The
participants shall certify in writing the originality of materials contained therein
and shall be responsible for any claim or dispute arising out of the further use
and exhibition of these materials.

2. Further use and exhibition of these materials, electronically or otherwise,

shall be the exclusive right of the Organizers and they shall not be responsible
for any liability to any person for any loss caused by errors or omissions in the
collection of information, or for the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the
information contained in these materials.

G. CLARIFICATIONS
1. Clarifications regarding matters other than the moot proposition may be
sought from the Organizers.
2. Teams may request clarifications regarding the Official Rules of the
competition via e-mail to [email protected]. The subject of such e-
mails must read Request for clarification.

I. OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION
Email at: [email protected]
TEACHER CONVENOR
1. Mr. Souradeep Rakshit , Asst. Prof of Law
Ph: +91- 6296903425/ 8918716693
2. Mr. S.M. Aamir Ali, Asst. Prof of Law
Ph: +91- 6296903471/ 7001933079
STUDENT CO-ORDINATOR
1. NEHA MITTAL
Ph: +91 7585946234
REGISTRATION FORM
UNIVERSITY/INSTITUTION DETAILS:

Name of the University/Institution:

________________________________________________________________________

Address of University/Institution:

________________________________________________________________________

Telephone No. (of the Institution Head/ Teacher-in-Charge):

________________________________________________________________________

Email (of the Institution Head/ Teacher-in-Charge):

______________________________________________________________

PARTICIPANTS DETAILS:

1. _____________________________________________
SPEAKER 1

MOBILE NO. ___________________ EMAIL ID: ________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________
SPEAKER 2

MOBILE NO. ___________________ EMAIL ID: ________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________
RESEARCHER

MOBILE NO. ___________________ EMAIL ID: ________________________________

 MOOT PROPOSITION

1. The Republic of Amphissa is located in the South Asian Region of Asia.

It is one of the ancient nations in the world. Till 1947, Republic of
Amphissa was a British colony for about 150 years. It achieved
independence in 1947. Now, the Republic of Amphissa is a democratic
country with a written Constitution which came into force in 1950. It has
28 States and 8 Union Territories. The Constitution has adopted
Parliamentary system wherein President is the executive Head of the
government. The country has diversified religion with Hinduism,
Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism and Sikhism as the major
religions followed by the people, characterized by a diversity of religious
beliefs and practices, dressing, cultural outlook, food-habits etc. The
majority population of 75% of the Republic of Amphissa is Hindu.
Around 24% of the population are from the faith of Christianity, Islam,
Jainism.

2. The Constitution of Republic of Amphissa declares various rights as

fundamental rights such as the right to freedom of religion, freedom to
carry on any trade, profession and business, right to life and personal
liberty etc. The State has Amphissian Penal Code to ensure the
maintenance of law and order in the Republic of Amphissa, which deals
with various offences prescribing the punishments for the same, apart
from other laws of the nation.

3. Republic of Amphissa is the most ethnically and religiously diverse

country in the world and its history is dotted with numerous religious
conflicts and riots. The danger of communal conflicts is ever-present and
unlikely to wane anytime. The diverse and often diametrically opposed
 religious practices often become the point of clashes among various
communities.

4. In March 2019 certain newspapers published a report about Love Jihad

which is an activity of certain Organizations under which young Muslim
men and boys in the state target young girls belonging to non- Muslim
communities for conversion to Islam by feigning love. The news report
stated that there has been 3,000- 4,000 conversions in the past four years
having the nature of Love Jihad in the Republic of Amphissa.

5. Jurisprudence from High Courts across the country have said that
conversion is not a casual matter. In 2014, the High Court of Uppam
Pradesh stated in a judgement that if conversion “is resorted to merely
with the object of creating a ground for some claim of right” it would be
"a fraud upon the law". In the case of Lily Thomas vs Union of
Amphissa in 2000 the Supreme Court nulled the marriage on the basis
that if someone "feigns to have adopted another religion just for some
worldly gain or benefit" it was "religious bigotry."
6. State of Uppam Pradesh is the largest State of Amphissa and it has the
largest representation of the ruling government in the Amphissa
Parliament. State of Uppam Pradesh has often been in news because of its
controversies like Anti-Romeo squad, cow vigilantes and other Hindu
religious organisations.

7. The Uppam Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion

Ordinance, 2020, unofficially referred to as the 'love jihad law' by most of
the media, is a law enacted by the Government of Uppam Pradesh,
Amphissa. The Uppam Pradesh state cabinet cleared the ordinance on 20
 November 2020 following which it was approved and signed by state
Governor on 24 November 2020.

8. The Uppam Pradesh ordinance makes conversion non-bailable with up to

10 years of jail time if undertaken through misinformation, unlawfully,
forcefully, allurement or other allegedly fraudulent means and requires
that religious conversions for marriage in Uppam Pradesh to be approved
by a district magistrate. The law also encompasses strict action for mass
conversion, including cancellation of registration of social organization
involve in mass religious conversion.

9. There has been much furore over the Uppam Pradesh Prohibition of
Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020. Most of it has been
around the law being a violation of an individual’s right to marry a person
of one’s choice and being restrictive of the fundamental right to life,
autonomy and privacy. It is also argued by members of civil societies that
this ordinance, which is nothing less than a draconian law, is a serious
violation of the right to equality based on religion.

10. In December 2020, Prabha, and Daniel, a young couple residing in the
Lunnow, the capital of Uppam Pradesh, expressed their willingness to
marry each other. Prabha, was a Jain by religion and Daniel belonged to a
family practising Islamic faith. Belonging to different religions, they
wished to be wedded under the Special Marriage Act 1956. This marriage
was severely objected to by Prabha’s family who did not approve of inter-
faith marriages. On the other hand, Daniel’s family begrudgingly
accepted their marriage. Prabha decided to convert to Islam, out of her
love and respect for Daniel’s family and faith and hoping that his family
would be more willing to accept their marriage if she undertakes such a
 gesture. However, it was decided that Prabha’s conversion would be kept
to be as a secret from her parents.

11. The marriage occurred on 10th January, 2021. After the marriage the
couple shifted into a separate apartment of their own in Jallabad where
they happily resided for 2 months. On 11th March, they decided to visit
Daniel’s home in Lunnow. Upon their arrival, they were greeted warmly
by his family.

12. Cases of Covid were steadily rising within the State and on 15 th March, a
two week lockdown was announced in the state. In the midst of this,
Prabha’s younger brother fell down from stairs and was put to bed-rest.
Prabha strongly wished to visit him several times but Daniel’s family did
not allow her to go during due to limited transportation options and on an
apprehension, that Prabha may contract Covid-19 while travelling in such
a risky situation. Prabha had requested many times to Daniel and her in-
laws to allow her to meet her brother but they did not permit her to leave.
Prabha started feeling like a prisoner in the house of her own in-laws.

13. Being frustrated, after 2 months, Prabha called up her parents and asked
them to pick her up. Her family became extremely angry on hearing the
circumstances. Upon knowing about the details of their marriage and the
conversion, they suspected that Daniel and his family had forced Prabha
to convert into a different religion and were now forcefully restraining
her against her will. They viewed it as a one of the cases of ‘Love Jihad’
that had been so extensively reported in the state recently. Thus, her
family immediately went and filed an FIR in Rainbow Police Station
against Daniel’s family under Section 498A APC, section 340 of APC as
well as under the Uppam Pradesh Anti-Conversion Act. Information was
 sent to Bajna police station situated near the residence of Daniel’s family,
and soon, his family members were arrested on 20th May, 2021.

14. The Magistrate denied bail to Daniel’s family and issued a non-bailable
warrant against Daniel under section 498A. Daniel and his family
preferred a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court and also
filed a writ petition challenging the validity of Uppam Pradesh
Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2020.

15. Considering the substantial questions of law relating to interpretations of

the Constitution, both the petitions are scheduled for hearing before a
Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court. The SLP is at the admission
stage.

(Laws of Amphissa are in pari materia to the Laws of Republic of India) (The
Uppam Pradesh Anti-Conversion Act is in pari materia to Uttar Pradesh
Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2020).
 INDIAN INSTITUTE OF LEGAL STUDIES
Post Graduate and Advanced Research Studies in Law

ACCREDITED BY NAAC
AFFILIATED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH BENGAL,
RECOGNISED BY THE BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA, NEW DELHI
APPROVED BY THE UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION, NEW DELHI

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