The sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Veraval in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, on 7 February, lodged a complaint against a woman for allegedly reverting to Islam ‘illegally and getting married to a Muslim man’. In the complaint, the SDM alleged that Manju Shevra reverted to Islam in July 2013 without seeking prior permission from the district magistrate which is in contravention of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003. The woman then got married to Ismail Mir, a Muslim man.
“On orders of the district magistrate, we conducted an inquiry into the matter and summoned the couple. During hearing, Shevra admitted that she had not sought prior permission of the DM to change her religion nor was she aware of this legal requirement. However, her action constituted an offence and, therefore, we have lodged the police complaint,” said the SDM on 9 February. The woman has been booked under Section 5 of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003 which provides for a year in jail and fine up to Rs 1000 for breach of the law.