The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Aman Siddiqui, alias Aman Chaudhary, a man who was arrested under the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act for marrying a woman of a different religion. Siddiqui had been in jail for nearly six months after an FIR was registered at Rudrapur police station in Udham Singh Nagar district.

The case was filed under Section 3/5 of the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act and Sections 318(4) and 319 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The FIR was lodged by some extended members of the woman’s family and "certain organisations".

While granting bail, the Supreme Court said, "Both the man and the woman were adults and got married in the presence of both families and had full knowledge of each other's religion." The court added that the state should not object to the couple living together, as the marriage was conducted with the consent of both families.

Siddiqui’s lawyer told the court that the marriage was arranged. However, soon after the wedding, objections were raised by certain people and groups. The lawyer also said that if Siddiqui is granted bail, the couple would live separately from their families to avoid any trouble and continue to live peacefully.

The Uttarakhand High Court had earlier rejected Siddiqui’s bail application. Now, the Supreme Court has directed the trial court to release him immediately.

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