The Gujarat government issued a circular earlier this week designating Buddhism as a distinct religion and stated that any conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism will now necessitate prior approval from respective district magistrates concerned under the provisions of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.
The circular, signed by Deputy Secretary (Home) Vijay Badheka, was issued by the Home department on April 8 and aims to handle concerns regarding applications seeking conversion to Buddhism.
According to an Indian Express report, every year, many Dalits have been seen converting en masse to Buddhism at events held on Dussehra and other festivals in Gujarat.
“It has come to notice that in applications seeking permission for conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism, procedures as per rules are not being followed. Moreover, sometimes, representations are being received from applicants and autonomous bodies that for religious conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism, prior permission is not required,” the circular stated.
“In cases where applications are filed seeking prior permission, concerned offices are disposing of such applications while stating that under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism are included within Hinduism and so the applicant is not required to take permission for (such) religious conversion,” it added.
The circular mentioned that “with reference to Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, Buddhism will have to be considered a separate religion” and added that according to the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003, the person who is getting another person to convert from Hinduism to Buddhism/Sikhism/Jainism, will have to take prior permission of the district magistrate in a prescribed format.
Also, the person who is converting will have to inform the district magistrate of the same.
District magistrates, in turn, are instructed to review conversion applications following legal provisions and state government directives.
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