SC restored Hadiya marriage and annulled Kerala HC order

New Delhi, March 08: The Supreme Court on Thursday restored the controversial marriage of Hadiya, formerly a Hindu, with Shafin Jahan, setting aside a Kerala High Court order annulling their wedding.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said: "Hadiya alias Akhila Asokan is at liberty to pursue her future endeavours according to law."

But the court said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would continue its probe into the criminal dimension of the case, if any.

"We clarify that the investigation by the NIA in respect of any matter of criminality may continue in accordance with law," the court said.

Pronouncing a brief operative order after lunch, Chief Justice Misra said the High Court should not have annulled the marriage between the two, following a Habeas Corpus petition, by exercising its powers under Article 226 of the Constitution.

Chief Justice Misra said: "We hold that the High Court should not have annulled the marriage between Shafin Jahan and Hadiya alias Akhila Asokan."