Can’t Have a Terrorist in My Family: Hadiya’s Father on SC Order

Hadiya's father KM Ashokan on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision that allows her to continue studies.

Asked about his stance on inter-religious marriages, Ashokan said he believed in one religion and one God, but could not have a terrorist in the family.

Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after getting converted to Islam. I cannot have a terrorist in the family.

K M Ashokan

Later in the day, he said that while he firmly believed that Shafin Jahan was a terrorist, it would be established only when the court affirms so.

The Supreme Court on Monday freed Hadiya, who’s alleged to be a victim of 'love jihad', from the custody of her parents and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she pleaded that she be allowed to go with her husband Shafin Jahan.

I was sad that she had to undergo all these unpleasant experiences because of which her studies were interrupted. But now I am happy as the court has allowed her to study further.

KM Ashokan

He denied allegations that she had been kept under house arrest, but added, "She was fully surrounded by police inside and outside the house."

Ashokan also said that he was not worried about her security in Salem, Tamil Nadu, as she was under the protection and observation of the apex court.

I accept the Supreme Court’s decision. She is under the protection of the SC as it is monitoring the case and so I am not worried about her security. The court has not given anyone guardianship, including Shafin Jahan, of my child.

KM Ashokan

Her mother Ponnamma said her husband was in a lot of pain. She added that Hadiya was “mentally not well”.

The apex court, which on Monday interacted with Hadiya for nearly half an hour in the courtroom against the wishes of her father who had sought an in-camera interaction, had directed the Kerala police to provide her security and ensure that she travels at the earliest to Salem to pursue her homeopathy studies at the Sivaraj Medical College.

Hadiya was in the custody of her parents for almost six months after the Kerala High Court had on 29 May annulled her 'Nikah' with Shafin Jahan. Hadiya, a Hindu by birth, had converted to Islam several months before her marriage.

Asked by the bench to name any nearest relative or acquaintance at Salem to be named as the local guardian, Hadiya said she only needed her husband in that role.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)

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