In a significant policy shift, the Gujarat government has mandated that Hindus seeking to convert to Buddhism, Sikhism, or Jainism must now obtain prior approval from district magistrates. This new regulation aims to address the procedural discrepancies observed in the application of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.
According to News18, the Gujarat government issued a circular earlier this week, which was signed by Deputy Secretary (Home) Vijay Badheka. The circular emphasizes that Buddhism will now be treated as a distinct religion, separate from Hinduism, under state law. This decision comes in response to the observed increase in mass conversions during festivals such as Dussehra, where the procedural norms were frequently overlooked.
India Today reported that the state government pointed out the necessity of adhering to the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act when applying for conversions. The new guidelines stipulate that any individual or entity facilitating the conversion of a person from Hinduism to Buddhism, Sikhism, or Jainism must first secure permission from the district magistrate in a prescribed format.
Further detailing the legal framework, the Hindustan Times highlighted the challenges faced by district offices in interpreting the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act correctly. The circular issued seeks to streamline the process and ensure that all conversions are conducted in accordance with legal provisions and state directives.
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The need for such stringent measures, as stated in the circular, arises from discrepancies in how conversion applications were previously handled. Often, district offices disposed of applications by stating that, under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism are included within Hinduism, thus not requiring any special permissions.
This regulatory change is part of a broader effort by the Gujarat government to maintain oversight of religious conversions, which it argues are sometimes pursued through coercive or misleading means. As reported by Hindustan Times, the 2021 amendment to the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act introduced stringent penalties for illegal conversions, including imprisonment and fines, reflecting the state’s firm stance against coerced religious changes.
By requiring district magistrate approval for conversions to Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, Gujarat aims to ensure that all religious conversions are genuine and voluntary, safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its citizens. This move has significant implications for the religious and cultural landscape of Gujarat, affecting not only those who wish to convert but also the broader interfaith relations within the state.
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