Guwahati, Feb 9: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 9 claimed that Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi had changed the religion and citizenship of his minor children without their consent, asserting that such decisions cannot be taken before an individual attains adulthood.
Addressing a press briefing at Chabua, Sarma said he would file a case in a juvenile court to seek legal clarity on whether parents have the constitutional right to alter the religion or citizenship of their children before they turn 18. He argued that while adults are free to change their religion or citizenship by personal choice, minors are not in a position to understand or consent to such decisions.
“The children are small and cannot comprehend these matters. Such decisions should be left to them once they attain adulthood,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the Constitution does not permit parents to unilaterally decide issues of religion or citizenship for their children.
Sarma further stated that if the matter reaches the juvenile court, it could trigger a wider constitutional debate on parental authority and individual rights, particularly in cases involving religious conversion of minors.
The remarks have triggered fresh political controversy in Assam, with the issue expected to escalate into a legal and constitutional dispute in the coming days.
