Will Not Allow Hadiya’s Husband to Meet Her, Says Hadiya’s Guardian and College Principal

Salem: The Supreme Court on Monday freed Hadiya alias Akhila from the custody of her parents and allowed her to return to her college in Salem, in Tamil Nadu, to complete her homoeopathy internship.

The court also appointed the dean of the Shivraj Homoeopathic Medical College as Hadiya's guardian and granted him liberty to approach it in case of any problem.

The Court ordered the college administration to treat Hadiya like any other student and as per hostel rules, but remained silent on whether Shafin Jehan, Hadiya’s husband, or her parents would be allowed to meet her while she completes her studies.

"I won't allow Hadiya's husband to meet her. Her parents admitted her here; only they can meet her," said G Kannan, Principal, Shivraj Homoeopathic Medical College.

The principal said that Hadiya will be going to hostel like any other student. "She can't go anywhere alone and can do nothing without prior permission from me," said the principal.

The principal also said that the completion of her homoeopathy course was his priority.

"Hadiya is still Akhila Ashokan as per records. If there is a change in name, it will be done through due procedure," said Kannan.

When the principal was asked whether Hadiya would be given a space to pray, he said: "We don't know what she needs". A re-admission procedure usually takes around 15 days, but in Hadiya's case it could be faster considering the SC order.

"For the time being, there will be police in college and hostel for her protection. We will take it further depending on the orders we receive," said Subbalakshmi, deputy commissioner, Salem city.

On Monday when the court asked her about her dreams for the future, she said, "I want freedom."

In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Shafin Jahan said: "I'll meet her at the first opportunity whenever she gets admission in her college."

Hadiya had converted to Islam and later married Jahan. It was alleged that she was recruited by Islamic State's mission in Syria and Jahan was only a stooge.

Ashokan K M, Hadiya's father, had alleged that there was a "well-oiled systematic mechanism" for conversion and Islamic radicalisation.

The high court, while declaring the marriage as "null and void", had described the case as an instance of 'love jihad' and ordered the state police to conduct probe into such cases.