Delhi High Court Affirms Constitutional Right to Marry for Consent Adults
In a landmark ruling, the Delhi High Court has emphatically stated that consenting adults possess a constitutional right to marry each other, free from interference by society, the state, or even their own parents. This significant declaration came during the court's hearing of a petition filed by a couple seeking protection from the woman's father, who disapproved of their union.
Court's Firm Stance on Human Liberty and Choice
Justice Saurabh Banerjee, while extending police protection to the couple, underscored that the right to marry is an essential aspect of human liberty and personal choice. He emphasized that this right is an integral facet of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The court observed in its recent order: "Since the petitioners herein are both major and are well within their rights to marry each other, and who, being consenting adults, willingly chose to hold their hands and walk through their entire journey of life by entering into the sacred thread of marriage, no one, much less society, the state machinery or even their parents or relatives or friends, can cause interference to the decision of the petitioners in any manner whatsoever from now on."
Background of the Case and Legal Protection
The couple at the center of this case married in July 2025 at an Arya Samaj temple and subsequently registered their marriage. However, they faced threats from the woman's father, prompting them to seek legal recourse. The Delhi High Court's decision to grant police protection highlights the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding individual freedoms against familial or societal pressures.
This ruling reinforces the principle that adult individuals have the autonomy to make personal decisions about marriage without external coercion. It serves as a reminder of the legal protections available to those exercising their constitutional rights in the face of opposition.
The court's order is expected to set a precedent for similar cases, affirming that the right to marry is a fundamental aspect of personal liberty that must be respected by all, including family members and authorities.
