Hadiya, the 24-year-old woman from Kerala whose decision to convert to Islam and marry her lover is at the centre of a legal debate over individual liberty, said on Wednesday that she is “not free”, renewing an appeal to be allowed to meet her husband. I wanted to meet my husband but the fact is that I’m not free till now and that’s the truth,” she said, speaking to reporters. Hadiya deposed before the Supreme Court on Monday, where she told judges: “I want freedom… I want to complete my studies and live my life according to my faith and as a good citizen”. Hadiya, born Akhila Ashokan, married Shafin Jahan without her family consent last December. The Kerala HC struck down Hadiya and Shafin’s marriage, calling it a “sham”, but the husband moved the Supreme Court.

Source: Hindustan Times November 29, 2017 06:00 UTC