I want to be with my husband: Hadiya; Dean will be your guardian: SC

Akhila alias Hadiya, a Kerala-based girl, who was forcefully confined in her father’s house for several months for embracing Islam and marrying a Muslim man, has now got partial freedom. The Supreme Court on Monday allowed her to resume her homoeopathic studies. However, it appointed college Dean as Hadiya’s guardian whereas she wanted her loving husband, who has been fighting for her, to be her guardian. 

“Nobody forced me to convert. Nobody forced me to marry a Muslim man. It was my decision. I want justice. I want freedom. I want to go with my husband. I want to meet my husband now,” a helpless Hadiya cried out in the Supreme Court requesting the judge not to send her back to her father’s house, where she was tortured.

Her deposition began after the Supreme Court in its October 30 order directed Hadiya's father Ashokan, who has links with saffron elements, to present her in the court to ascertain her views on her marriage to Muslim man, Shafin Jahan.

The Supreme Court today asked Hadiya if she wants to continue her studies on state expenditure. "I want to (continue my studies) but not on state's expense when my husband can take care of me," Hadiya replied.

Chief Justice Dipak Misra, however, told Hadiya to resume her studies and directed her to return to Salem. The court said that it is important to protect the economic interests of Hadiya and asked the state of Tamil Nadu to "provide her protection if any situation arises".

The court also said that the Dean of her college can apprise the court in case of any untoward situation. "I should be considered a human being. I want to be a good citizen," Hadiya told the Supreme Court. The court fixed third week of January as the next date of hearing in the case. 
 
Want to meet husband, pleads Hadiya

The court spoke to Hadiya via a translator for nearly 20 minutes during which it asked her about her dreams and aspirations and what she wanted to do in her life.

“I want to meet my husband and I don't want any local guardian to be appointed,” Hadiya told the court.

She said that she has been in unlawful custody for 11 months and wanted her freedom back. As court recorded her testimony, Hadiya repeatedly said that she wanted to meet her husband. 

The court directed the Salem-based Homeo Medical College to re-admit Hadiya and grant her hostel facility while also appointing the Dean of the college as her local guardian.

The apex court also asked the Kerala police to provide Hadiya with security and ensure she travels to Salem at the earliest.

Kapil Sibal shocked

Kapil Sibal, who is appearing on behalf of Shafin Jahan, told the court that he was saddened by the communal arguments in the case. "Will now all marriages between Hindus and Muslims be scrutinised by courts like this," Sibal asked.

"Why is the Bench not listening to Hadiya," Sibal said. Hadiya, before leaving for Delhi from the Kochi airport on Saturday, told the media that she wants to be with her husband. "I am a Muslim. I was not forced. I want to be with my husband," Hadiya said.

The court is hearing a plea by Shafin Jahan challenging the Kerala High Court order of May nullifying his marriage with Hadiya and seeking recall of its order asking the NIA to investigate the conversion of Hadiya to Islam and her marriage.

Hadiya’s father takes media’s help

Earlier, Hadiya's father K M Ashokan cited several controversial media reports about Kerala’s “conversion factories” in the Supreme Court and said that Sathya Sarini, PFI's sister organisation, is involved in radicalisation and conversion of youths.

Prominent television channels and news papers in India have unanimously declared Hadiya’s conversion and marriage as love-jihad, though she has rubbished the allegation repeatedly.

Also Read: Hadiya calls ‘love-jihad’ a lie; says, conversion and marriage were her own decisions