In a significant turn of event related to Kerala’s alleged ‘Love Jihad’ case, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the parents of Hadiya ensure her presence next month so that she could present her version before apex court.
The top court said that the 24-year-old Hadiya’s consent as an adult was “prime” and her version of how and why she married a Muslim man in Kerala last year will be heard on 27 November .
It was the Supreme Court, which had directed the NIA to probe the matter to examine if the marriage between Hadiya and Shafin Jahan amounted to Love Jihad. Hadiya’s testimony on 27 October will be made in an open court.
Hadiya, whose original name was Akhila Ashokan, had married Jahan after she met him on an Islamic matrimonial site. Her father had approached the Kerala High Court, which had annulled the couple’s marriage in May this year. The High Court was later reprimanded by the Supreme Court, which despite having ordered an NIA probe, had questioned if the the former had exceeded its judicial brief by cancelling the couple’s marriage.
Last week, Hadiya had recorded a video message saying that she feared death as his father was increasingly getting angry.
In a video message released by activist Rahul Eashwar, Hadiyasaid, “Get me out of here. Today or tomorrow, I am going to die. I am sure about this. My father is getting angry, I can make out. He pushes me.”
Easwar told NDTV that he submit his recording to the Supreme Court adding that ‘While I am a Hindu activist, I believe Hadiya’s voice must also be heard.’