Quarantined for 11 months

On Monday when the apex court had asked Hadiya about her dreams, she had said, "I want freedom." But there is no ‘freedom’ for her yet, at least she is not free to meet her husband.

The Supreme Court, which had placed Hadiya under the protective custody of her college dean, was silent on whether her husband Shafin Jehan would be allowed to meet her while she completes her studies. But Jehan has inferred from this that there is no express directive not to meet his wife. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, he said: "I'll meet her at the first opportunity in college."

The sentiment was shared by Hadiya as she arrived in Salem. "I have sought permission from the college authorities to meet my husband. I hope they will allow," she told reporters at the college where she will undergo an 11month internship.

But that may be an endless wait and a meeting may not be possible without a court order. G Kannan, Principal, Shivraj Homoeopathic Medical College, was adamant: ‘‘I won't allow Hadiya's husband to meet her. Her parents admitted her here; only they can meet her."

Kannan insisted that Hadiya will be going to hostel like any other student. "She can't go anywhere alone, nor can she do anything without my prior permission," said the principal. Not just that, there will be police in college and hostel for her protection, albeit for a few days.

She will also have to pursue her studies under her original Hindu name Akhila Ashokan. ‘‘She is still Akhila as per records. If there is a change in name, it will be done through due procedure," said Kannan.

When the principal was asked whether Hadiya would be given a space to pray, he said: "We don't know what she needs". A re-admission procedure usually takes around 15 days, but in Hadiya's case it could be faster considering the SC order.’’Hadiya arrived amidst tight security and was not permitted to speak to the media at the airport in Coimbatore. Accompanied by Kerala police, she later left by road for her college in Salem.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ashokan KM, Hadiya’s father, welcomed the court decision allowing his daughter to pursue her studies. "Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after converting to Islam... I cannot have a terrorist in the family," he added.–PTI