Surat businessman protests 7-yr-old daughter’s initiation into Jain monkhood, moves family court

Shah, a resident of Adajan, was married in 2012. Due to “frequent quarrels” between the couple, Shah’s wife left her in-laws’ place along with her two children and began staying with her parents at Nanpura in Surat.

Shah, in an application filed in the family court of Judge S V Mansuri,  said that he learnt of the diksha (initiation) ceremony to be held in February 2026 from a WhatsApp group run by the Jain community, where he found his daughter’s name as one of the participants.

Shah stated that his permission was not sought for the diksha ceremony involving his daughter.

In his application, Shah states, “We stay in a joint family including my parents, and after my marriage, my wife had problems with my mother and me. I remained patient and continued the relationship. After the birth of my two kids, I hoped that she would change her behaviour, but she continued quarrelling. She left my home in April 2024 and started staying with her parents in the Nanpura area.”

“After learning about the diksha ceremony, I requested my father-in-law and other community leaders to prevent my daughter’s initiation into monkhood, but the request was turned down,” he said in the plea.

Seeking custody of his kids, Shah said he was financially stable and wanted to give “better education” to his children,  for their bright future.

Shah told The Indian Express,  “We have filed the application under The Guardian and Wards Act 1890 Section 7 (empowers a court to make orders regarding a minor’s guardianship if it is determined to be in the minor’s welfare), and Section 24 (Duties of a guardian of the person, stating they are responsible for the ward’s custody, support, health, education, and must fulfill other requirements under the law applicable to the ward.)”

“My children’s mother is presently staying at her parents’ house and totally relies on the income of her elder brother. They wanted to get my daughter into monkhood, which I disagree with since she is at such a tender age. My children may have to face financial issues and their needs may not be met. I wanted to provide the best education to my children, so that they can become self-reliant.  We are not divorced and I would prefer that she and my children stay with me,” he added. His wife could not be contacted.