ejabberd JSON parsing error?

Situation: backend windows application <--> ejabberd server <--> android chat client side

client side send a custom iq query in JSON format via ejabberd server to backend windows app and it parses it correctly. When the backend windows app sends back a response to the client the single quotes in the JSON response are converted to &quot.

Configuration:

backend app - windows app (.net based application)
backend - Azure SQL
xmpp server - ejabberd 15.07
ejabberd server OS - Ubuntu Trusty
client side - android app using "asmack"

I am not sure what can be causing the error. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.