Prayagraj, Aug. 11 -- The Allahabad High Court on August 6 had directed the Uttar Pradesh government and the father of two adult sisters who voluntarily converted to Islam to jointly pay Rs 25 lakh in compensation after ruling that they were illegally confined following the conversion.

Justice Sandeep Jain passed the order while hearing the petition filed by sisters Diya Bhatia, who changed her name to Zoya Diya Bhatia, and Anshu Bhatia, who changed her name to Amina Anshu Bhatia.

Amina and Zoya had said that they voluntarily embraced Islam in 2020 and 2021, respectively, in conscience, mental peace, and spiritual solace. They rejected claims that their decision to convert was a result of coercion, undue influence, force, inducement, or...