Gujarat withdraws Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill

Ahmedabad, Mar 10 : The Narendra Modi Government on Monday withdrew the Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill of 2006 that was returned by the State Governor to the Legislative Assembly for reconsideration in August last year.

Gujarat Assembly Speaker Ashok Bhatt read out Governor Nawal Kishore Sharma's message that stated while returning the Bill said the governor had found it to be violation of the Article 25 (A) of the Constitution.

Gujarat Minister of State for Home Amit Shah sought the permission of the House to withdraw the Bill and the motion to withdraw it was passed unanimously by a voice vote.

The Freedom of Religion Act that was enacted in 2003 makes it mandatory for a person to take permission from the authorities before converting to another religion.

ANI