In a powerful affirmation of personal liberty, the Bombay High Court has delivered a groundbreaking verdict protecting an adult woman's fundamental right to choose her life partner. The court came down heavily on coercive family interference, emphasizing that constitutional rights cannot be sacrificed at the altar of parental authority.
Court's Strong Stance on Personal Freedom
The division bench comprising Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Gauri Godse made it unequivocally clear that once a woman reaches adulthood, she possesses the absolute freedom to decide where she wants to live and whom she wishes to marry. The court stated that parents cannot force their will upon their adult children, regardless of religious or community considerations.
Police Protection Ordered
Responding to the woman's plea about facing threats and harassment from her family, the High Court directed the Mumbai Police to provide immediate protection to the couple. The comprehensive security arrangement ensures their safety and prevents any unlawful interference in their personal lives.
Key Court Observations
- An adult woman has complete autonomy over her life choices
- Parents cannot dictate marriage decisions to adult children
- Constitutional rights override family objections
- State must protect citizens exercising fundamental rights
Broader Implications
This judgment sets a significant precedent for similar cases across India, reinforcing the judiciary's role as the guardian of individual freedoms. The court's firm position sends a clear message that personal choices in relationships, including inter-faith marriages and live-in arrangements, enjoy constitutional protection against family or societal pressure.
The ruling strengthens the legal framework supporting individual autonomy while balancing family values with fundamental rights, marking another step forward in India's evolving social landscape.
