4 days ago
Allahabad HC upholds adult woman's right to choose life partner
Prayagraj: The Allahabad high court has directed the Bulandshahr SSP to provide protection to a newlywed couple who faced resistance from the woman's family due to their marriage, emphasising that an adult woman has the right to choose her life partner.
Hearing the couple's plea, the high court warned that the SSP will be held accountable for any harm caused to the couple by the woman's family.
A case was filed at Khurja police station in Bulandshahr in May under Section 87 (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complainant alleged that a 26-year-old man from an upper caste had kidnapped his 24-year-old daughter and coerced her into marrying him at an Arya Samaj temple.
The couple had subsequently approached the high court, seeking to have the FIR quashed and requesting protection from interference in their married life. The woman had specifically expressed concerns about potential honor killing.
Hearing their petition, Justice JJ Munir, in his order dated June 2, stayed the arrest of the man and ordered Bulandshahr SSP to ensure that no one interferes in the couple's marital life.
The high court also said that an adult woman has the right to choose her partner, and if any harm is caused to the petitioners, the SSP will be personally held accountable.
