Kerala State Women's Commission Chairperson M.C. Josephine has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to hear Hadiya in open court.
In a statement issued here on Monday, she said the commission had impleaded in the case to ensure that her voice reaches the court.
“The commission has taken a stand that either the court should directly hear her or it should hear her through the commission. The commission will ensure that there is no pressure on her until she presents herself in the Supreme Court,” Ms. Josephine said.
She rubbished the allegations raised against the commission accusing it of not intervening in the Hadiya issue.
“We cannot inform everyone all the time about the steps we are taking. As per the complaints received, an official of the commission had visited Ms. Hadiya and submitted a report to the commission. It is considering this report that the commission impleaded in the case to record her statement to the court. The commission had got the legal advice of the Advocate General as part of this,” she said.
The commission has also sought a report from the Kottayam District Police Chief regarding recent reports that Ms. Hadiya was facing physical torture. Required interventions will be made based on this report too.
“The last word on Ms. Hadiya’s marriage has to be said by the Supreme Court. There have been complaints that the protection given by her father has become a violation of her rights. She needs freedom and not rights violation in the name of protection,” Ms. Josephine said.
