PRAYAGRAJ, Aug. 2 -- The Allahabad high court has directed the state authorities and the father of two adult sisters to ensure their production before the court on August 6 after allegations that the two women had been illegally confined by their father after they voluntarily renounced Hinduism to embrace Islam and decided to marry men of their choice, while observing that being major, the two women are competent to take independent decisions concerning their faith, marriage, residence and future course of life.

The court observed that any such interference by anyone, including their father, would amount to an unwarranted encroachment upon their constitutionally protected rights to dignity, privacy and personal liberty.

Justice Sandeep ...