Interfaith marriage sparks row at Ahmedabad’s Ghee Kanta court, registrations halted

The Ghee Kanta Court in Ahmedabad witnessed heavy tension on Wednesday after activists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) protested against the registration of an interfaith marriage involving a Hindu woman and a Muslim man. Following the uproar, the marriage registration process was temporarily postponed.

Due to the escalating situation, the court premises were turned into a high-security zone, with more than 50 police personnel deployed to maintain law and order.

The marriage was reportedly scheduled to take place before Registrar M. M. Syed at the Ghee Kanta Court. According to reports, the 21-year-old woman had been staying in a women’s protection home for the past two months and was brought to court for the registration process.

As news of the interfaith marriage spread, VHP workers gathered at the court premises and raised slogans in protest. The organization’s district president accused Registrar Syed of violating procedures by allegedly failing to publicly display marriage notices and claimed he had supported similar controversial marriages in the past.

The protesters also alleged that the registrar went on leave deliberately to avoid facing the delegation. A formal representation was submitted to the officer in charge, after which the marriage process was halted for the time being.

Calling the incident a case of “love jihad,” VHP leaders expressed anger over the system and demanded immediate action against the registrar, including his transfer. They warned of stronger protests in the coming days if no strict steps are taken by the government.

To avoid any untoward incident, police maintained strict security inside and outside the court premises. Authorities kept close watch on the situation as tensions remained high throughout the day.

The case involves a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman from different religious communities who were reportedly living together in Mehsana district. They were later separated, and the woman was shifted to a women’s shelter home in Palanpur.

The man subsequently approached the Gujarat High Court, challenging the separation and seeking permission to marry his partner. During the hearing, the court called the woman to record her wishes and also directed the man to submit an affidavit confirming his readiness to deposit ₹3 lakh as financial security for the woman’s future welfare.

The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on May 8, 2026.