Mumbai: Court Upholds Constitutional Right To Preach Religion, Orders Fresh Hearing In 2011 Assault Case Of Christian Woman

A sessions court ordered a fresh hearing for 64-year-old Christian Eunice Joseph, whose 2011 complaint about being assaulted while preaching in Bhandup was dismissed by a magistrate. Judge Mujibodeen S Shaikh upheld the constitutional right to promote religion, ruling the earlier dismissal as improper and allowing her to lead evidence.

Add FPJ As a
Trusted Source
Charul Shah Joshi Updated: Wednesday, April 01, 2026, 11:00 AM IST
Mumbai: Court Upholds Constitutional Right To Preach Religion, Orders Fresh Hearing In 2011 Assault Case Of Christian Woman | Representational Image

Mumbai: Court Upholds Constitutional Right To Preach Religion, Orders Fresh Hearing In 2011 Assault Case Of Christian Woman | Representational Image

Mumbai: Every person has a right to promote their religion, the sessions court held while remanding a complaint filed by a 64-year-old Christian woman for a fresh hearing. The woman and her friends were assaulted by local residents in Bhandup while preaching in 2011.

Additional Sessions Judge Mujibodeen S Shaikh said in his order, “As per the Constitution, every person has the freedom to promote his religion and religious thoughts.” The court held that the magistrate court's order dismissing the complaint was not legal and proper, and the woman should have been allowed to lead her evidence.

The sessions court was hearing a revision petition by Navi Mumbai resident Eunice Joseph after the metropolitan magistrate court, Mulund, dismissed her complaint. Joseph lodged the complaint after she and colleagues were allegedly beaten by residents of Tembipada. Joseph claimed that on April 9, 2011, she was visiting Tembipada to preach about the Bible.

She alleged a resident grew curious about their purpose, but the conversation turned when the resident asked if they should adopt her religion. Joseph claimed 20 others, then joined, confined, and manhandled them.

To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Published on: Wednesday, April 01, 2026, 11:00 AM IST

RECENT STORIES