Gujarat Buddhism Conversion Row: Clarifying that Buddhism must be considered as a separate religion from Hinduism, the Gujarat government issued a circular stating that any conversion from Hinduism to either Buddhism, Jainism or Sikhism will require the prior approval of the District Magistrate under the provisions of Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003. This circular was released on April 10 by the Home Department of the Gujarat government after it came to light that applications seeking to convert to Buddhism were not being dealt with as per the law, the circular stated. The circular was signed by Deputy Secretary (Home) Vijay Badheka.

In recent years Gujarat has witnessed many people converting to Buddhism during events organised on occasions like Dussehra and other festivals, reported the Indian Express. The notice further said that it has come to notice that the offices of district magistrates are arbitrarily interpreting the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act.

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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, it added.

The circular states that some offices are rejecting conversion applications, claiming that Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism are part of Hinduism under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, thus not requiring permission for conversion.

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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, the circular stated.

It is possible that the replies given to applicants in sensitive subjects like religious conversion without sufficient study of legal provisions can result in judicial litigations, it added.

The circular mentioned that with reference to Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, Buddhism will have to be considered a separate religion.

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Buddhism A Separate Religion From Hinduism, Conversion Needs Prior Approval: Gujarat Govt - Jagran English