In a controversial yet consensual decision, a 26-year-old Muslim woman from Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha district has married a Class 12 student after embracing the fold of Sanatan Dharma. The woman, previously known as Shabnam, has now adopted the name Shivani after doing Ghar wapsi. Strikingly, this is her third marriage.
Shivani has divorced her second husband and reportedly left her three daughters with him. She took the decision to marry the teenager, who lives in her neighbourhood. Their relationship reportedly began a year ago after Shivani’s (name after Ghar wapsi) second husband became disabled in a road accident.
The couple solemnised their marriage at a local temple of Amroha. A village panchayat was convened recently where members of both families were present. During the meeting, it was agreed that since Shivani is an adult, she had the right to make her own decisions.
Speaking to the media, Shivani said she married out of her own free will and expressed satisfaction with her choice. The teenager also confirmed that the relationship was consensual and that the couple wishes to live together peacefully without interference.
Shivani was first married in Aligarh, but the relationship ended in divorce. She entered her second marriage about eight years ago. Following her husband’s accident and resulting disability, she gradually developed a connection with the teenager from her neighbourhood.
Interestingly, the boy’s father has publicly supported the union.
“We just hope that both live in harmony,” he informed news agency PTI.
The union has created controversy in the area but, until now, no legal complaints have been filed. Neither has the government stepped in, as both said the relationship is consented upon and no laws were broken.
