By The Sampadak Express
A 30-year-old woman from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, who is a mother of three, recently converted to Hinduism and married an 18-year-old Class 12 student in a temple ceremony. The woman, originally named Shabnam, is now known as Shivani, as per police reports.
Shivani’s marriage to the teenager, Shiva, comes amid the enforcement of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The law prohibits religious conversions through force, deceit, or any fraudulent means. Although the police are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the marriage, no formal complaints have been filed regarding the situation so far.
Shivani had been married twice before. Her first marriage in Meerut ended in divorce, and her second marriage to Taufiq from Saidanwali village saw complications after he was disabled in a 2011 road accident. Recently, Shivani sought a divorce from Taufiq and began a relationship with Shiva, the Class 12 student. After the divorce, Shivani converted to Hinduism and changed her name to Shivani.
Shiva’s father, Dataram Singh, expressed his support for the couple, stating that their family is happy as long as the couple is happy. He also wished them a peaceful life together.
The situation takes on added significance due to the anti-conversion law in Uttar Pradesh. The law, which aims to uphold secularism and prevent forced conversions, was highlighted last year by the Allahabad High Court. The court had emphasized that the law was designed to guarantee religious freedom and maintain social harmony, ensuring that both those converting and those being converted have the right to religious freedom.
As of now, the authorities are continuing to review the case but have not reported any legal complaints related to the marriage or conversion.
