In a significant intervention, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the police to safely escort a woman from Chhindwara district to her husband's residence in Seoni district. This order came after the woman expressed a genuine fear of potential interference from her family members, who were reportedly unhappy with her marriage.
Habeas Corpus Petition Leads to Court Hearing
The court's action was triggered by a habeas corpus petition filed by the husband, Seetal Kumar Bhajeshwar. In his plea, Bhajeshwar alleged that his wife was being held "hostage" by her family and was being prevented from living with him. The couple had solemnized a registered marriage, which was met with disapproval from the woman's family.
Woman's Voluntary Statement Before the Bench
Presented before a division bench comprising Justices Vivek Agarwal and Ram Kumar Chaube, the woman from Chhindwara district made a clear and voluntary statement. She affirmed her desire to live with her husband but voiced a serious apprehension. The woman feared that her family members might make "undue and illegal intervention" in their marital life. Consequently, she sought police protection to ensure her safe passage and security.
High Court's Directives for Protection and Security
After hearing the submissions and verifying that the woman was an adult through documentary evidence, the High Court issued specific orders. The bench requested the police personnel present in court to take the woman into safe custody and escort her to the petitioner's house in Seoni. The court noted the validity of their duly registered marriage.
Furthermore, the court went a step ahead to ensure the couple's long-term safety. It requested the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Seoni to personally examine the threat perception to the couple and provide them with appropriate protection. The HC also directed the concerned Barghat police station in Seoni to deal with any future complaints from the couple with due sensitivity and sympathy.
The court's order underscores the judiciary's role in protecting the constitutional rights of individuals, especially adults choosing their life partners. It also highlights the mechanism of police protection as a shield against potential familial coercion in inter-caste or love marriages, which remain a sensitive issue in parts of the country.
