India: Mother of 3 converts to Hinduism to wed 12th grade boy

In a highly unusual case from India’s Uttar Pradesh, a 30-year-old woman, mother to three children, converted to Hinduism and married a Class 12 student, sparking widespread attention and debate.

According to Indian media, the marriage took place at a temple in the Amroha district, where the woman, originally named Shabnam, adopted the name Shivani after conversion and tied the knot with the student.

Hassanpur Circle Officer Deep Kumar Pant confirmed the development, stating that Shabnam legally changed her name and converted to Hinduism. She had reportedly been married twice before and has no living parents.

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The case raised eyebrows due to Uttar Pradesh’s strict regulations on religious conversions. The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 prohibits conversions through deceit, coercion, or fraudulent means, particularly when it involves interfaith marriages.

Police said the matter is currently under review, but no formal complaint has been registered by any party involved.

Further reports revealed that Shabnam’s first marriage, which took place in Meerut, ended in divorce.

Her second husband, Taufiq, a resident of Syedanwali village, was rendered disabled in an accident in 2011.

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Over time, Shabnam reportedly entered a relationship with the student, eventually separating from Taufiq and converting to marry the boy.

The student’s father expressed support for the union, stating, “We only hope that both live together peacefully.”