Hadiya, the 24-year-old Muslim woman in the eye of the recent ‘love jihad’ controversy over her marriage to Shafin Jahan, met him at Salem College. The meeting was recorded by the CCTV cameras placed in the room.
Jahan said that the meeting was extremely emotional as the two were meeting after many months. “The meeting was so emotional. Hadiya was so happy … She had a lot to share with me as we were meeting after a long time.”
The meeting took place at 12 noon on Wednesday and lasted for over two-hours.
There was no objection from anyone. After all, it was Hadiya’s desire to speak to me, and the court had allowed her to meet whoever she wants. I had carried the court order with me...Only my lawyer accompanied me to the college.Shafin Jahan
It was alleged that Hadiya had been forcefully converted to Islam, and her marriage to Jahan was annulled by the Kerala High Court.
The Supreme Court, which had heard the appeal in an open court on 27 November, permitted her to complete her house surgency as per her desire. The order had also allowed her to meet anyone she wished to. Days later, Jahan called Hadiya up and the two spoke over the phone. This is the first time the couple is meeting after Hadiya was put under house arrest in May.
Meanwhile, Jahan was questioned on Monday by the National Investigation Agency for his alleged links with members of the Islamic State. The NIA had told the apex court that it had proof that he was in touch with members of the terrorist outfit.
When their marriage was annulled, the court had claimed that the effort to convert her was part of a larger plot to convert Hindu women. The court had then sent her to her parents’ custody.
Jahan has claimed that she met him through a matrimonial site. But the NIA believes that they met through a man named Muneer, who knew Hadiya's caretaker, Sainaba, in Malappuram. Sainaba is the leader of the Popular Front of India’s Women’s Wing.
Hadiya has repeatedly reiterated that she converted out of her own will and would like to stay married to Jahan.
(This was first published on The News Minute and has been republished with permission)
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