LAHORE: A fresh legal twist has surfaced in the case of an Indian woman who converted to Islam and married a Pakistani citizen, as her alleged husband, Karnail Singh, challenged the validity of her nikah in the court.
Karnail Singh appointed former MPA Mahender Pal Singh as his representative and filed a petition in a local court.
However, the registrar’s office raised objections, noting that the special power of attorney lacked attestation from the Foreign Office. The registrar also observed that the petitioner had not approached the relevant legal forum to seek formal cancellation of the marriage.
Petitioner questions the legality under the Hindu Marriage Act
In his plea, Singh stated that Sarbjit Kaur (now Noor Fatima) arrived in Pakistan on November 3, 2025, on a 10-day pilgrimage visa. He argued that under the Hindu Marriage Act, conversion does not automatically dissolve a prior marriage. Furthermore, he alleged that her declaration of being “divorced” in the nikahnama was false.
Sarbjit Kaur had travelled with Sikh pilgrims, and her visa remained valid until November 13. However, she did not return to India. Instead, after converting to Islam, she married Sheikhupura resident Nasir Hussain and adopted the name Noor Fatima.
Deportation halted after last-minute refusal
Earlier this year, authorities took her into custody in Nankana Sahib District and shifted her to a women’s shelter home in Lahore. Officials reportedly prepared to deport her to India via the Wagah Border. However, she refused repatriation at the last moment, temporarily halting the process.
Noor Fatima has already requested the Pakistan Government to allow her to remain with her husband Nasir in Pakistan. Her request is under consideration on humanitarian grounds.
