LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday summoned the Nankana Sahib district police officer (DPO) in a matter relating to the custody of Sikh girl Jagjeet Kaur, who converted to Islam and married a Muslim man, and determination of her age.

Earlier, the police brought the girl to the court from Darul Aman under strict security arrangements.

Responding to the court’s queries, Jagjeet Kaur reiterated that she did not want to meet her family but wanted to live with her in-laws.

“What should be done now?” Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi asked Manmohan Singh, girl’s brother.

Singh complained about alleged unfair treatment being meted out to the members of the minority community.

However, the judge assured Singh that everyone was equal before the law and the country belonged to them (the minority) as much as it belonged to any other citizens.

Singh also said that Muhammad Hassaan, husband of Kaur, was sending threatening messages to him and blackmailing his family. Justice Naqvi asked him as if he approached Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as the alleged offence fell within the definition of cyber crime.

Present in the court, Hassaan denied the charge, saying that he was ready to face consequences if found guilty.

The judge adjourned further hearing until Friday and summoned the Nankana Sahib DPO and director of the FIA.

In his petitioner, Singh contended that his sister was below 16 years of age and was not major to get married. He said accused Hassaan kidnapped his sister with the intention of rape.

However, a report submitted on a previous hearing by medical superintendent of the Mayo Hospital said the age of the girl was above 18 years. Local Sikhs resorted to protests after Ms Kaur married Hassaan against the will of her family.

A session court had sent her to Darul Aman while her husband faced the case of her alleged abduction lodged by the girl’s family.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2020