Gujarat High Court Allows Charges Against Converts Who Induce Others to Change Religion

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that individuals who convert to a new religion and subsequently influence others to do the same can be charged with a prima facie offence.

The case involved three men who, after converting from Hinduism to Islam, allegedly persuaded 100 Hindus in Bharuch’s Amod region to convert by offering incentives such as housing, food, cash, and employment.

The Court emphasised that prior conversion does not exempt individuals from accountability if they coerce or allure others into changing their religion. The accused face charges under various provisions, including the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.

[Varyava Abdul Vahab Mahmood vs State Of Gujarat].