Gujarat High Court Refuses Discharge Pleas of Two ‘Dawat-e-Islami’ Muslim Clerics Allegedly Involved in Converting Hindu Tribal People to Islam.

Uttam Patel | HENB | Ahmedabad | April 8, 2026::   In a significant development, the Gujarat High Court has dismissed discharge applications filed by two Islamic clerics accused in a case involving alleged religious conversions in Gujarat’s Narmada district. These maulavis were allegedly involved in the Dawat-e-Islami mission, dedicated to converting people to Islam.

Justice Gita Gopi, while hearing the matter, declined to grant relief to Sarfaraz alias Javid Khuji (also known as Javid Mufti Salim Hasan Yusuf Ibrahim Khilji) and Ramiz Raja alias Owaish Abdul Gani Abdul Rahim Khilji. The two were booked in 2021 along with several others under provisions of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2006, as well as sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity, and criminal intimidation.

Allegations and Investigation

According to the prosecution, the accused were involved in activities dating back to 2006, allegedly targeting Hindu tribal communities in the Amod taluka region. Police investigations, including a third chargesheet, claim that more than 100 Hindus from at least 37 tribal families were converted to Islam through inducements such as financial assistance, household items, and other forms of support.

The state government opposed the discharge pleas, arguing that the case involves a broader conspiracy. It cited witness statements, including that of complainant Pravin Vasawa, alleging that the accused and their associates regularly visited villages, organized meetings, and offered material benefits while preaching their faith of  Islam.

The prosecution further claimed that gatherings were held where religious teachings were imparted to those who had converted, and that inducements allegedly included items such as coolers, carts, and basic necessities.

Defence Argument

Counsel representing the clerics argued that preaching religion is a constitutionally protected right and part of their religious duty. They maintained that no offence was made out, as the activities fell within the ambit of lawful religious propagation.

Court’s Observation

After reviewing the evidence and witness statements, the High Court upheld the trial court’s earlier decision to reject the discharge applications. The court noted that there was sufficient prima facie material indicating organized meetings and activities linked to religious conversion, warranting continuation of the trial.

In its observation, the court stated that the available material did not justify discharge at this stage, emphasizing that the evidence should be examined during the course of the trial.

Broader Context and Ongoing Concerns

Cases related to alleged forced or induced religious conversions have periodically surfaced in different parts of India, often leading to legal scrutiny under state-specific laws such as the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act. These laws regulate religious conversions and prohibit conversion through force, fraud, or inducement, while also raising ongoing debates around religious freedom and individual rights.

The present case also comes amid broader national discussions around alleged illegal religious conversions and the enforcement of anti-conversion laws in several states. Law enforcement agencies in different parts of India have, in recent years, investigated networks accused of facilitating Islamic or Christian conversions through inducements or organized campaigns.

In Uttar Pradesh, authorities had earlier arrested individuals such as Kaleem Siddiqui ^[01][02][03] and Changoor Baba in connection with alleged conversion networks. Investigators in those cases claimed the existence of organized mechanisms and funding channels, though the matters remain subject to judicial scrutiny.

However, ‘Conversion Jihad’ is a significant existential threat to the Hindu majority and a demographic concern in India.

These developments have contributed to an ongoing debate on the extent and nature of religious conversions in India, with differing viewpoints from legal, political, and social perspectives. While some see stricter enforcement as necessary to curb unlawful practices, others emphasize the need to safeguard constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, including the right to profess and propagate religion.

As the Bharuch-Narmada case proceeds to trial, its outcome is expected to add further clarity to how such allegations are assessed within the legal framework.
..
_Agency Inputs.