Wrong For Any Religion To Claim That It Is The Only True Religion: Allahabad High Court Dismisses Christian Priest’s Application
The Allahabad High Court found that the act of Reverend Father Vineet Vincent Pereira in saying that Christianity is the only religion in his prayer meeting fell within the ambit of Section 295-A of the IPC.
While dismissing an application filed under Section 528 of the BNSS by a Christian priest seeking quashing of a case registered against him, the Allahabad High Court has held that it is wrong for any religion to claim that it is the only true religion, as it implies a disparagement of other faiths.
The High Court found that the act of Reverend Father Vineet Vincent Pereira in saying that Christianity is the only religion in his prayer meeting fell within the ambit of Section 295-A of the IPC.
The High Court was considering an application challenging the chargesheet and cognisance order, along with the entire proceedings in a case registered under Section 295A of the IPC.
The Single Bench of Justice Saurabh Srivastava held, “By bare perusal of the narrations made in the FIR wherein it has been mentioned that in his prayer meet, applicant frequently states that there is only one religion which is Christian and also hurts the sentiments of a particular religion i.e. Hindu, whereas India is a land where people of all faiths and beliefs in secular state as defined by Constitution of India, live together, therefore, it is wrong for any religion to claim that it is the only true religion as it implies a disparagement of other faiths. The opening line of the said provision itself speaks about deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizen by insulting its religion or religious faith, meaning thereby, the act of the applicant comes under the ambit of Section 295-A IPC and as such, at this stage, it cannot be said that prima facie, no case is made. All the submission made at the bar, relates to the disputed question of fact, which cannot be adjudicated upon by this Court in exercise of power conferred under Section 528 BNSS.”
Advocate Gaurav Tripathi represented the applicant, while Government Advocate represented the Opposite Party.
Arguments
It was the case of the applicant that he was falsely implicated, and he had never committed any offence as alleged in the shape of converting the religion of the marginalised section of society illegally, as well as speaking against other religions. It was further submitted that the Investigating Officer had concluded that no illegal conversion of religion was carried out by the applicant.
Reasoning
On a perusal of the FIR, the Bench noted that it was mentioned therein that in a prayer meet, the applicant frequently stated that there is only one religion, which is Christian and also hurt the sentiments of the Hindu religion. The Bench thus observed that it is wrong for any religion to claim that it is the only true religion.
Referring to Section 295-A IPC, the Bench explained that the opening line of the said provision speaks about deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizen by insulting their religion or religious faith. As per the Bench, the act of the applicant fell within the ambit of Section 295-A IPC.
The Bench further stated, “At the stage of taking cognizance/summoning, the Magistrate is only required to record a prima facie opinion, based on the material on record, and is not expected to hold a mini trial or to examine the defence of the Accused.”
Thus, considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the Bench found the application to be meritless and dismissed the same.
Cause Title: Rev. Fr. Vineet Vincent Pereira Alias Father Vineet Vinicent Paresh v. State of U.P. (Neutral Citation: 2026:AHC:56120)