Court Acquits India Persecuted Christian Pastor
Nainital, India — In a decision described as a legal milestone for religious freedom in India, the Court Acquits India Persecuted Christian Pastor Nandan (Narendra) Singh Bisht, who had been facing charges under Uttarakhand’s Religious Freedom Act since 2021. Judicial Magistrate Anju of the Ramnagar Court delivered the verdict, ruling that the evidence presented by prosecutors was insufficient to sustain allegations of unlawful religious conversions. The decision marks the first known acquittal under Uttarakhand’s 2018 anti-conversion legislation, which has been widely criticized by rights advocates as prone to misuse.
Pastor Arrested Under Anti-Conversion Law
Pastor Bisht and his family were arrested in April 2021 following a complaint filed during a prayer gathering. Authorities accused him of conducting forced conversions, charges he consistently denied. His arrest drew national and international attention, with religious freedom groups highlighting the case as an example of how anti-conversion laws are used to harass minority faith leaders.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, defense attorneys argued that prosecutors failed to produce concrete evidence. After more than four years of hearings, the court sided with the defense and declared Bisht not guilty on all counts.
Relief Among Supporters
News of the acquittal sparked relief among the pastor’s congregation and supporters. Many gathered outside the courthouse, offering prayers of thanksgiving and expressing hope that the decision could set a precedent for future cases. Eyewitnesses described emotional scenes as church members embraced and shed tears following the announcement.
Pastor Bisht responded with gratitude rather than criticism, thanking his legal team and those who supported him through the ordeal. “This is a victory for truth and justice,” he reportedly said, while calling for peace and reconciliation.
Broader Implications for Religious Freedom
The acquittal has been hailed by Christian organizations and human rights advocates as an important development in the debate over India’s anti-conversion laws. Critics argue the laws are vaguely worded and frequently weaponized against religious minorities, particularly Christians and Muslims.
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“The Court Acquits India Persecuted Christian Pastor headline is not just about one man,” said one advocate. “It underscores the urgent need for a fair legal process whenever such allegations are made.”
While the decision may influence how future cases are prosecuted, observers warn that Christians and other minorities in India continue to face legal and social pressures. Reports of harassment and false accusations remain widespread.
Looking Ahead
For Pastor Bisht and his family, the verdict brings an end to a prolonged legal battle and allows them to return to their community work without the weight of unresolved charges. Supporters say they hope the ruling will encourage other pastors facing similar cases and highlight the importance of judicial independence in safeguarding constitutional rights.
As one local church member noted after the hearing, “This shows that justice can prevail, even when the odds seem against us.”