Hadiya Can Meet Husband With My Permission Only: College Principal

Hadiya’s college principal says she cannot leave college premises with her husband, wants clarity on SC order.

A marriage under court scrutiny. Hadiya Jahan, known as Akhila Ashokan before she converted to Islam, married Shafin Jahan in December 2015. 

(Image altered by The Quint)

I don’t know where to send her during holidays? To her husband’s house or parents’ house? I can’t let her go to her husband as rules don’t allow that, and the Supreme Court didn’t have any mention of it. That’s why we shall just keep her safe in the hostel for this one year. 

G Kannan, Principal, Sivaraj Homeopathic Medical College to <b>The Quint</b>

25-year-old Hadiya Jahan will spend the next 11 months of her life completing the BHMS course, at the Sivaraj Homeopathic Medical College in Tamil Nadu, under the Supreme Court's directions

When the Principal met reporters on Tuesday, he had said he won’t allow Hadiya to meet her husband Shafin Jahan, but on Wednesday morning, he clarified that he shall allow, but she will need his permission.

Yes, she called her husband from my phone and I think she is happier after talking to him.

G Kannan, Principal, Sivaraj Homeopathic Medical College to <b>The Quint</b>

However, Hadiya says she still is not free.

"I need freedom. I need the freedom to meet the person I love. I wanted to meet my husband. I am asking for fundamental rights. Till now I did not get freedom. I don’t know if this is going to be another prison," said a hurt Hadiya.

But the Principal is firm that until he gets a directive from the SC, he cannot factor in these reasons.

Listing out the hostel rules, he said there is a specific list of visitors already mentioned at the time of admissions who are the only ones allowed to meet her in the hostel, no extended hours of talking on the phone, lights to be switched off at 10 pm and visitors only once a week.

‘There are no extra restrictions or special provisions for her. Even the Supreme Court hasn’t specified anything of that kind,’ he added.

And since it was her parents who had admitted her in the college, all information related to her will be communicated only to them.

The Supreme Court has authorised the Principal to be the local guardian.

According to the college rules, she can’t have a visitor everyday. Whether it’s her parents or anyone claiming to be her guardian. She will be treated as a regular student.

G Kannan, Principal, Sivaraj Homeopathic Medical College

He said he is waiting for more clarification from the Supreme Court, but they assure absolute security and comfort to Hadiya.

Police personnel have been deputed even inside the girls’ hostel.

She will continue to be called Akhila Asokan. Only after the documents are submitted and authorised, can we change her name to Hadiya.

G Kannan, Principal, Sivaraj Homeopathic Medical College

Hadiya said that the college still didn’t have any clarity over the court order and that she will have to wait a few more days.

Her husband Shafin's lawyers, those representing the Kerala government, and the State Women's Commission had said that the SC order did not prohibit Hadiya from meeting Shafin.