Kerala Love Jihad Case: Supreme Court says only Hadia not NIA can decide her choices

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra has observed that NIA cannot go into marital status of Hadiya, after saying that she is an adult.

Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner Shafin Jahan had asked for an investigation under the supervision of a retired judge as was ordered by the previous bench.

Supreme Court observed that NIA probe will have no bearing in deciding the aspects of the legitimacy of marriage of Hadiya and Shafin Jahan which was annulled by the High Court.

The Supreme Court will hear the matter on February 22.

A Raghunath, one of the counsels of Hadiya's father said, "We expect the NIA to file a report and the court to permit the girl to continue her studies. We are happy that she is safe. Let's see what happens."