Author: Times News Network
Publication: The Times of India
Date: May 12, 2006
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1526717.cms
The high court here on Thursday, while dismissing
a habeas-corpus petition, has directed SSP Lucknow and Allahabad to conduct
investigation into the whole episode of conversion of a minor Hindu girl into
Islam and thereafter solemnising her nikah.
The order was passed by Justice Rakesh Sharma
on a petition moved on behalf of Joya alias Deepika Pankaj Rai, a minor, saying
that she was illegally detained.
The detenue, 14, was taken away to Allahabad
by one Mohd Azhar Khan. She was allegedly converted to Islam on May 4 last
and thereafter a nikahnama was also prepared on the next day.
The court observed that it was surprising
to note that no consent of her parents or guardians was obtained before her
conversion or nikah, which was allegedly solemnised at a place 200 kms away
from the city.
It was found by the court that the girl was
under the control of the man who took her away and other persons, who converted
her to Islam and performed nikah and stood witness to it.
The court felt that an inquiry was required
as to how and where the alleged conversion had actually taken place and who
were the witnesses to the entire episode of marriage etc. between a minor
girl and Mohd Azhar Khan.
The court, while fixing July 7 next for perusal
of SSP's reports, said that it would be open for the police to proceed in
accordance with law against Mohd Azhar Khan and other accused persons involved
in the alleged conversion and nikah.
