Allahabad High Court orders protection for woman who converted from Islam to Hindu religion, married as per Hindu rites

The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday ordered Police to ensure protection of a woman who converted from Islam to Hinduism and married according to Hindu rites.

. The order was passed after the woman complained of threats issued by her father who objected to her conversion and marriage.

. Justice JJ Munir has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Meerut to " extend and provide necessary protection to the life and limb of the petitioners " and to ensure that no harm is caused to the woman and her husband at the hands of any member of the woman's family, her native community or the local police.

. " Looking to the facts and circumstances, let notice be served upon respondent no. 4 through the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Meerut and a report regarding service shall be placed on record by the date fixed ... It is further provided that the Senior Superintendent of Police, Meerut shall also ensure that the local Police do not interfere in the peaceful married life of the petitioners acting at the instance of the 4th respondent (woman's father) , though it s hall be their duty to see that no physical harm comes to the petitioners, " the order stated.

. The Court was hearing a petition moved by a 19-year-old woman and her husband who were facing threats from the woman's native family on account of her conversion from Muslim to Hindu and her marriage as per Hindu rites.

. She was a Muslim by birth but had a great faith in the Hindu religion and she adopted the Hindu religion and a Hindu name, the Court was informed.

. On April 15, an application mas made to the District Magistrate, Meerut and necessary news items was published in a newspaper regarding the change of her name and religion.

. The woman married according to Hindu rites on April 16 at the Arya Samaj Mandir, Maliyana, Meerut and applied for the registration of their marriage before the Registrar of Marriages, Meerut on the same day. However, their marriage has not been registered till date, the Court was told.

. Meanwhile, greatly annoyed by the woman's conversion and marriage as per Hindu rites, her father issued death threats to the couple, the Court was told.

. The petitioners asserted that there is serious threat to the their lives from the woman's father and other family members, including members of the first petitioner's native community.

. The Court, therefore, directed the family members not to enter the petitioners' house, including through friends, agents or associates, or to approach the petitioners through any electronic means of communication, or to cause the petitioners any bodily harm or injury, in any manner whatsoever.

. The Court also issued notice in the petition and granted the State authorities four weeks time to file a counter affidavit in the matter.

. The matter will be heard next on June 23.

. [Read Order]

Allahabad High Court orders protection for woman who converted from Islam to Hindu religion, married as per Hindu rites

Areeb Uddin Ahmed

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