Allahabad HC orders production of two adult sisters who embraced Islam

Allahabad High Court ordered production of two adult sisters, Divya Bhatia alias Zoya Diya Bhatia, 20, and Anshu Bhatia alias Amina Anshu Bhatia, 35, before it on August 6 after allegations of illegal confinement by their father.

The sisters voluntarily renounced Hinduism to embrace Islam and decided to marry men of their choice, according to a habeas corpus petition.

Justice Sandeep Jain observed that interference by anyone would be an encroachment on constitutionally protected rights to dignity, privacy, personal liberty, and decisional autonomy.

The court said its foremost duty is to ascertain whether the women are acting of their own free will or under illegal restraint.