Interfaith Marriage Registration Postponed Amid VHP Protest at Gujarat Court

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — The marriage registration of an interfaith couple ordered by the Gujarat High Court was abruptly postponed on Thursday after protests by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) workers outside the Ghee Kanta court complex in Ahmedabad, triggering tight police security and intensifying the debate around interfaith unions in the state.

The High Court had earlier directed the couple to marry under the Special Marriage Act and ordered the man to deposit ₹3 lakh in the woman’s name as financial security. However, the couple did not proceed with the registration on the scheduled date, and authorities confirmed that a new date will now be issued. The matter is slated for further hearing on May 8, 2026.

Security Tightened as Protesters Gather

According to officials, over 100 police personnel, including multiple Police Sub-Inspectors and two police divisions, were deployed to maintain law and order after VHP workers gathered near the registrar’s office raising slogans. The protest remained largely peaceful and dispersed later in the afternoon after the registration was postponed.

“We met the registrar and were informed that the concerned officer was on leave. We requested the authorities to postpone the registration and we will now move forward legally,” said VHP Asarwa president Shreyansh Shah.

Dariapur VHP leader Harsh Shah claimed the organisation had intervened in several similar cases. “This keeps happening repeatedly. We will continue to take legal steps,” he said.

Court’s Earlier Order and Case Background

The case involves a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman of different religions who had been living together in Mehsana district before being separated, after which the woman was placed in a women’s shelter home in Palanpur. The man approached the High Court seeking custody of his partner and permission to marry.

After interacting with the woman and recording her wishes, the High Court permitted the marriage under the Special Marriage Act while stressing financial safeguards for her future security.

The court directed the man to deposit ₹3 lakh in a nationalised bank and ordered the registry to open a bank account in the woman’s name so the interest could be credited periodically. The court clarified that the full amount would be handed over to her if the couple separates in the future.

Awaiting Next Hearing

Authorities confirmed the woman continues to stay at a women’s protection home in Ahmedabad until the marriage formalities are completed. With the next hearing scheduled for May 8, legal and social attention remains firmly fixed on the case.