Archive · 1 Jun 2025
British Minor Claims Religious Rights Violated in Indian Custody
A 16-year-old British girl in protective custody in India says she's not allowed to practice her religion.
She claims she can't wear her hijab or pray.
Her mother wants her back in the UK.
The girl was taken into custody after her mother complained about her stepfather, but the mother has since withdrawn the complaint.
The girl's school starts soon, and her mom says this is causing a lot of emotional distress.
The British High Commission is involved, but the girl's family wants the FRRO to proceed without their help.
Now, her mother is asking authorities to immediately return her daughter to the UK.
The delay is due to some administrative problems.
A 16-year-old British minor is in protective custody in Raigad, Maharashtra.
The minor claims her religious practices, including wearing a hijab and praying, are being restricted.
Her mother, Hafsa Aiyub Patel, is seeking her immediate return to the UK.
The exit process has been delayed due to administrative issues at the police station level.
The mother's priority is the child's religious freedom, education, and well-being.
- Who
- A 16-year-old British minor and her mother, Hafsa Aiyub Patel.
- What
- A British minor is claiming her religious freedoms have been violated while in protective custody in India. Her mother is seeking her return to the UK.
- When
- The incident began in April 2023, and the current issues are ongoing as of June 1, 2025.
- Where
- Raigad, Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- The girl was placed in custody following a complaint by her mother regarding her stepfather. The mother has since withdrawn the complaint.
Child Welfare Committee
Mother's Perspective
Religious Freedom
Child Welfare Committee
Unspecified - this is the crux of the issue and no opposing view is present in the article.
Mother's Perspective
The daughter's right to practice Islam, including wearing a hijab and praying, is being violated.
Custody and Repatriation
Child Welfare Committee
Unspecified - this is the crux of the issue and no opposing view is present in the article.
Mother's Perspective
The mother seeks immediate custody and repatriation of her daughter to the UK.
- Age of Minor
- 16
- Nationality
- British citizen
- Location of Custody
- Raigad, Maharashtra
- Date of Publication
- June 1, 2025
- Custody Restoration Application
- Sections 39 and 95 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015