English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Kerala Love Jihad case – SC orders NIA probe after agency claims ‘pattern’ emerging in Kerala

Published

on

Supreme Court

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Former Supreme Court judge, Justice RV Raveendran asked to supervise the NIA probe, Kerala police informs apex court that it wants to withdraw from the investigation

After a brief lull, the Kerala ‘love jihad’ case is now back in the limelight with the Supreme Court, on Wednesday, being informed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that the alleged conversion and radicalisation of a Hindu woman – Hadiya alias Akhila – and her marriage to a Muslim man – Shafin Jahan – was not an “isolated incident” but part of a “pattern” emerging in the southern state.

With the Kerala Police informing the apex court division bench of Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud that it wanted to withdraw from the investigation in the case and was prepared to hand over the probe, the NIA has now been told investigate the incident and whether it has any link with the involvement of global terror conglomerate – Islamic State (IS).

Noting that “everyone wants a fair probe” in the case following the “serious remarks made by the (Kerala) High Court”, the Bench ordered that the NIA probe will be supervised by retired Supreme Court judge, Justice RV Raveendran. The Bench also said that before it takes a final view of the probe’s finding, it will “require the presence of the girl (Hadiya)” to put forth her version of the events that led to her purported marriage and the claims of ‘love jihad’ that it led to

Love Jihad

Hadiya’s marriage to Safin Jahan had been annulled by the Kerala High Court on May 24, 2017, which had termed the union as a case of “love jihad”. Curiously though, Hadiya had told the Kerala High Court that she had consented to her marriage with Shafin Jahan, and that there was no forceful conversion. But the court wasn’t convinced. Jahan had then moved the Supreme Court to challenge the annulment of his marriage with Hadiya.

Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for Jahan, objected to the Supreme Court’s decision of handing over the probe to the NIA. “The NIA has made many U-turns in the past. How reliable is a probe by the NIA? The girl must be called in by the Supreme Court”, Sibal told the Bench.

However, the Bench informed Sibal that : “if we speak to the girl and she says that she was forcibly converted and married off, the case is over. It will be unfair to you. So we will speak to her last before passing any orders. First we will see what you all have to say”.

Prior to Sibal’s submissions, senior advocate V Giri, appearing for the Kerala police, informed the apex court that the State police was willing to withdraw from the investigation and was ready to hand over all documents related to the case to the central probe agency. “There is already a special investigation team and the probe is proceeding. But let the NIA now complete the investigation,” Giri told the division bench.

Giri’s submission came after CJI Khehar told him that the court had asked the NIA for inputs in the case because it was an agency from outside the State. “We thought you [the Kerala police] may take sides. So we asked the NIA”, CJI Khehar said.

Last week, despite objections by Jahan, the Supreme Court ordered the Kerala Police to share with the NIA the probe details of the case. “We want the whole picture. Let the whole picture come before us. Why should anybody doubt the NIA”, the Supreme Court had said.

The Bench had observed that it gathered the “impression that the petitioner (Shafin Jahan) does not desire the correct and independent view of the controversy” to be brought before the apex court, and said: “We want to see whether it is an isolated case or a larger issue is involved (sic)”.

Background to the Kerala Love Jihad case:

In May this year, the Kerala High Court had declared as “null and void” the marriage of 24-year-old Hindu woman – Hadiya alias Akhila – who had converted to Islam to marry a Muslim man – Shafin Jahan – in December 2016, terming the union as “sham”. It had ordered Hadiya to be placed in her parents’ protective custody.

Akhila was a homeopathy student in Kerala when she converted to Islam. Shafin Jahan had met her with his family in August 2016 in response to her posting on a marriage website and they got married last December.

Jahan, 27, challenged the Kerala High Court order in the Supreme Court, saying that the order was an “an insult to the independence of women in India”. He had requested the Supreme Court to order Hadiya’s father to produce her in court while claiming that she had converted to Islam of her own volition two years prior to their marriage.

Hadiya’s father, however, had said that she was a “helpless victim” trapped by a “well-oiled racket” which used “psychological measures” to indoctrinate people and convert them to Islam. He had also alleged that Jahan is a criminal and that Hadiya had been trapped by a network with connections to the Islamic State.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Sharbat jihad row: Delhi HC says Ramdev beyond anyone’s control, lives in his own world

Hamdard’s counsel alleged that while promoting Patanjali’s “gulab sharbat,” Ramdev claimed profits from Rooh Afza were funneled into constructing madrasas and mosques, a statement deemed derogatory and misleading.

Published

on

ramdev

The Delhi High Court on Thursday sharply criticized yoga practitioner and entrepreneur Ramdev, declaring him “uncontrollable” and living “in his own world” after finding him in prima facie contempt of its earlier order.

The court’s ire stemmed from Ramdev’s controversial “sharbat jihad” remarks targeting Hamdard’s Rooh Afza, despite a prior directive on April 22 prohibiting him from making statements or sharing videos about Hamdard’s products.

Justice Amit Bansal, addressing the issue, stated, “His affidavit and the video clearly violate our order. This is prima facie contempt, and I will issue a notice summoning him.” The court was informed that Ramdev had posted a video with objectionable content, flouting its instructions. When Ramdev’s counsel requested a delay due to the unavailability of their lead lawyer, the court postponed the hearing briefly.

The case originates from a plea by Hamdard National Foundation India against Ramdev and Patanjali Foods Ltd., challenging his inflammatory remarks. On the previous hearing, the court had condemned Ramdev’s “sharbat jihad” comment as “indefensible” and conscience-shocking, prompting him to promise the immediate removal of related videos and social media posts.

Hamdard’s counsel alleged that while promoting Patanjali’s “gulab sharbat,” Ramdev claimed profits from Rooh Afza were funneled into constructing madrasas and mosques, a statement deemed derogatory and misleading.

The court’s strong remarks underscore its frustration with Ramdev’s defiance, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle as it seeks to enforce compliance and address the fallout from his provocative statements.

Continue Reading

India News

Congress says Modi govt gave headline without deadline on caste census

Gandhi credited the Congress’s persistent campaign for pressuring the government, saying, “Our push for a caste census has clearly worked.”

Published

on

The Congress sharply criticized the government on Thursday, May 1, following its announcement to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making grand promises without clear timelines.

Congress general secretary for communications Jairam Ramesh, speaking at the party’s headquarters in New Delhi, questioned the government’s sincerity and demanded an immediate roadmap for the census, emphasizing the need for transparency and urgency.

Ramesh took a dig at Modi, calling him a “master of crafting headlines without deadlines.” He reiterated the Congress’s long-standing demand for a constitutional amendment to lift the 50% reservation cap, arguing that a caste census would only be meaningful if this barrier is removed.

“What’s stopping the Modi government from abolishing the cap?” he asked, challenging the administration’s commitment to social justice.

Highlighting past delays, Ramesh recalled a December 2019 Cabinet press release approving the 2021 census with a budget of ₹8,254 crore, which made no mention of caste enumeration. “Six years later, the census remains undone.

The government now makes this sudden announcement, but what’s the plan?” he questioned. He pointed out the meager ₹575 crore allocated to the census commissioner’s office in the 2025-26 Budget, casting doubt on the feasibility of conducting a comprehensive census. “Is this just another headline, or is there a genuine intent? The public deserves answers,” he said.

Ramesh dismissed the government’s COVID-19 excuse for delaying the census, noting that over 50 countries conducted theirs during the pandemic. “There was no pandemic in 2023 or 2024, yet the census wasn’t held,” he said.

He also referenced Modi’s 2024 remarks labeling caste census advocates as “urban naxals,” sarcastically asking, “Since when did the PM and Home Minister Amit Shah become urban naxals?”

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi welcomed the government’s “abrupt” decision to include caste enumeration, a first since Independence, but demanded a specific timeline, suspecting delays akin to the women’s reservation bill.

Gandhi credited the Congress’s persistent campaign for pressuring the government, saying, “Our push for a caste census has clearly worked.”

The announcement, made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after a Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meeting, acknowledged state-led caste surveys in Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka but criticized their lack of transparency.

The opposition, particularly the Congress, has made the caste census a key electoral issue, arguing it’s essential for equitable policy-making.

Continue Reading

India News

PM Modi extends wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on Statehood Day, highlights their rich legacies

PM Modi and Vice President Dhankhar extended warm wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on their state formation day, acknowledging their vital role in India’s development.

Published

on

On the occasion of the State Formation Day of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar conveyed heartfelt greetings to the citizens of the two states. The leaders lauded the states for their significant contributions to India’s development and for preserving their unique cultural heritage.

Maharashtra and Gujarat, both carved out of the former Bombay state in 1960, are now among the country’s most industrially advanced and prosperous regions.

Maharashtra praised for resilience and heritage

In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi reflected on Maharashtra’s enduring contribution to India’s progress. “Maharashtra has always played a vital role in India’s development,” he said. He added that the state’s glorious past and the bravery of its people are a source of pride and inspiration.

Modi described Maharashtra as a pillar of national progress that remains firmly rooted in its cultural traditions. “My best wishes for the state’s progress,” he added, affirming his hopes for continued growth and development.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also recognized Maharashtra’s legacy of social reform, cultural richness, and economic influence, calling it a symbol of national pride.

Gujarat hailed for innovation and enterprise

Extending greetings to his home state, Prime Minister Modi praised Gujarat’s dynamism and spirit of enterprise. He emphasized the state’s achievements across diverse sectors and its growing reputation for innovation. “The people of Gujarat have excelled in various fields. May the state keep attaining new heights of progress,” he noted.

The vice president echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Gujarat’s association with national icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He noted that the state’s tradition of leadership and resilience continues to shape the nation’s path forward.

As both Maharashtra and Gujarat observe their 64th Foundation Day, the leaders’ messages serve as a reminder of the states’ enduring impact on India’s political, social, and economic landscape.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com