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Gujarat High Court Grants Bail to Cleric in Child Marriage and Conversion Case

Justice H.D. Suthar Notes No Criminal Antecedents, Sets Bail at ₹25,000 with Strict Conditions

Case Involves Alleged Violation of Child Marriage Prohibition Act, POCSO Act, and Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act

By Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 14, 2026:

The Gujarat High Court has granted conditional bail to cleric Maulana Mohammad Ramzan Janmohammad, accused of solemnising a child marriage and facilitating religious conversion in Rapar, Kutch. The court noted his lack of criminal antecedents and absence of sexual assault allegations, while imposing strict bail conditions.

Case Background

• Accused: Maulana Mohammad Ramzan Janmohammad
• Incident: Allegedly solemnised the Nikah of a 17-year-old girl to a Muslim man in Rapar, Kutch.
• Charges:
  • Prohibition of Child Marriage Act
  • POCSO Act (against the groom and others)
  • Section 4A of Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act (for alleged conversion and name change)
• Arrest: By Kutch (East) police earlier this year.
• Court Decision: Bail granted on October 14, 2026.

Bail Conditions

• Bond: ₹25,000 with local surety.
• Passport: Must be surrendered.
• Travel Restrictions: Cannot leave jurisdiction without permission.
• Police Reporting: Monthly attendance at police station for six months.
• Non-Interference: Must not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.

Court’s Observations

• No prior criminal record.
• No allegation of sexual assault against the cleric.
• Bail granted considering proportionality of charges and presumption of innocence.
• State government opposed bail citing gravity of offence, but court balanced rights of accused with investigation needs.

Broader Context

• Child Marriage in India: Despite legal prohibition, cases continue to surface, especially in rural areas.
• Religious Conversion Laws: Gujarat’s Freedom of Religion Act requires verification of identity and age before conversion; violations can lead to prosecution.
• Legal Significance: The case highlights judicial balancing between protecting minors and safeguarding rights of accused.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Molana Mohammad Ramzan Janmohammad?

A cleric from Rapar, Kutch, accused of solemnising a child marriage and facilitating religious conversion.

Q2: Why was he arrested?

For allegedly conducting the marriage of a 17-year-old girl without verifying her age and identity, and facilitating her conversion.

Q3: Why did the High Court grant bail?

Because he had no criminal antecedents, no sexual assault allegations, and agreed to abide by strict bail conditions.

Q4: What laws are involved in this case?

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, POCSO Act, and Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act.

Q5: What happens next?

The trial will proceed, with the cleric required to comply with bail conditions while the investigation continues.