The High Court today dismissed a lawsuit filed by M. Indira Gandhi and 13 others challenging Islamic laws in six Malaysian states and the Federal Territories that allow unilateral conversion of minors to Islam without both parents' consent [1, 2, 3, 4].
The lawsuit sought declarations that provisions in the Islamic laws of Perlis, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Johor, and the Federal Territories were unconstitutional and invalid [2, 3, 4]. The plaintiffs argued these laws undermine parental rights by permitting conversion without consent from both parents.
Trial judge Datuk Aliza Sulaiman ruled the plaintiffs lacked locus standi, saying they failed to show a real or genuine interest in the matter. She noted several plaintiffs did not have minor children affected by the laws, making their interest academic or hypothetical [1, 3, 4]. "The plaintiffs have not established that they have a real or genuine interest in seeking the declaratory orders sought," Judge Aliza said [3]. She added, "Even if the bar is lowered and they are taken as simply public-spirited individuals and association, I am unable to say that they have some interest in the matter" [3].
The court referenced a 2018 ruling by the Federal Court in M. Indira Gandhi's own case, which required both parents' consent for conversion of a minor if both parents are alive. The judge stated, "Whatever grievances that the first plaintiff had have been conclusively and fully dealt with in the Indira Gandhi decision. The first plaintiff's interest in this matter is purely academic in nature" [3].
The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) intervened in the proceedings [3]. The court made no order as to costs despite recognising the public interest aspects [1, 4].
Following the dismissal, the challenged state laws remain in force [4]. The lawsuit was originally filed in March 2023 by the 14 plaintiffs against provisions in six states plus the Federal Territories [2, 3]. The High Court delivered its ruling on June 12, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].
