Indira’s case not within syariah court’s jurisdiction

PETALING JAYA: Kindergarten teacher M. Indira Gandhi’s (pic) appeal against the conversion of her three children to Islam, was not within the syariah court’s jurisdiction as it did not involve the interpretation of any Islamic personal law or principles, the Federal Court states in its grounds of judgment.

In a 100-page document containing the grounds for the court to allow Indira Gandhi’s appeal on Jan 29, Justice Zainun Ali said the mother was challenging the administrative power exercised by the Registrar of Muallafs under the administration of the Religion of Islam (Perak) Enactment 2004 with regard to the registration and issuance of the certificates of conversion of her children.