PRAYAGRAJ, July 29 -- In a significant judgment, the Allahabad High Court has directed the secretary home, Uttar Pradesh, to launch an investigation into how 'fake' Arya Samaj societies have proliferated across the state. The court noted that these societies solemnise illegal marriages between individuals of different religions, often without verifying the age of the bride and groom, and with malafide intent. Justice Prasant Kumar dismissed a petition filed by Sonu alias Shahnur, who had sought to quash a summons dated September 12, 2024, along with the entire proceedings of a criminal case pending against him. The case, registered at Nichlaul police station in Maharajganj district, involves charges of kidnapping a woman to compel her into marriage, rape, and offences under various sections of the POCSO Act. The matter is currently pending before the Special Judge (POCSO Act), Maharajganj. Justice Kumar directed that the investigation be conducted by an officer not below the rank of deputy commissioner of police. "The application states that the marriage was solemnised at an Arya Samaj Mandir in Prayagraj. However, such a marriage could not have been legally performed without proper conversion in accordance with existing law," the court observed.HTC...