Frame Rules For Approving Conversions To Islam Under Shariat Law: Kerala HC To Government

The Kerala High Court has directed the state government to frame rules and establish an authority to grant approval for conversions to Islam, the Times of India has reported.

A petition was filed by one Thadevoos alias Abu Talib. The petitioner contended that rules have not been framed for establishing an authority to approve conversions under Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937. According to Section 4 of the act, the government may prescribe an authority to approve conversions to Islam.

The petitioner cited a news report, where there were disputes regarding last rites of a man who had converted to Islam from Christianity. Though he had converted to Islam, there was no proof or record to show the same.

Interestingly, the act only says that the government 'may' prescribe an authority. However, the court said that the word ‘may’ should be understood as ‘shall’.

After the counsel appearing for state government assured the court that the rules will be framed within three months, the court disposed the petition directing the government to do the same.