Ashadh Pournima
Gandhinagar (Gujrat): Bill on freedom to follow any religion was passed by Legislative Assembly of Gujarat in the year 2005. The Act was brought into force from today by the Government which prescribes strict action against those who either forcibly or by luring or by cheating would convert people.
Few Sects had opposed the said Bill earlier and Naval Kishore Sharma, the Governor had refused to sign the Bill. The Bill was again put up by the State Government with amendments as suggested by the Governor and it was passed in the budgetary session. It was signed by the Governor at the end of this session. As per the said Act, person wishing to change religion will have to first apply to the District Collector who will be given time up to 1 month for granting permission and later, within 10 days, the person has to inform the District collector of his new religion adopted by him.
Source: ‘Daily Sanatan Prabhat’
