File photo: Hadiya. Photograph:( Zee News Network )
The Supreme Court heard the Kerala Love Jihad case earlier today observing that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) cannot go into the marital status of Hadiya.
Kerala 'Love Jihad' case: Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner Shefin Jahan asked for an investigation under the supervision of a retired judge as ordered by the previous bench.
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018
The three-judge bench of the Supreme Court was headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra.
According to the Supreme Court, the NIA probe will have no bearing in deciding the aspects of the legitimacy of the marriage between Hadiya and Shafin Jahan which was annulled by the Kerala High Court.
Supreme Court observed that NIA probe will have no bearing in deciding the aspects of her legitimacy of marriage of Hadiya and Shafin Jahan which was annulled by HC.
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018
Supreme Court to hear the matter on February 22.
Former Union Minister Kapil Sibal, who appeared for Hadiya's husband Shefin Jahan, asked for an investigation under the supervision of a retired judge. The same was ordered by the previous bench.
"We expect the NIA to file a report & the court to permit the girl to continue her studies. We are happy that she is safe. Let's see what happens," A. Raghunath, one of the counsels of Hadiya's father noted after the hearing.
Kerala 'Love Jihad' case: A Raghunath, one of the counsel of Hadiya's father said, "We expect the NIA to file a report & the court to permit the girl to continue her studies. We are happy that she is safe. Let's see what happens" pic.twitter.com/lSfKyZqfhF
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018
Another SC hearing is scheduled on February 22.
Hadiya has been in the news after her conversion to Islam and marriage with Shafin Jahan in Kerala. The Kerala High Court had annulled her marriage and called it an instance of 'love jihad'.
Hadiya's husband approached the Supreme court while she stayed at her parental home in Kochi for several weeks. The apex court later freed her from her parents' custody and allowed her to travel to Tamil Nadu for her studies.
The NIA was investigating the case so far.