Madhya Pradesh High Court Intervenes to Protect Inter-Caste Couple
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a decisive step to safeguard an inter-caste couple facing severe threats from the woman's family following their marriage. In a significant ruling, the court has directed the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Damoh district to provide immediate security to the couple, who married against the woman's family's wishes and have been subjected to intimidation and violence.
Details of the Case and Court Proceedings
The couple, identified as Swayma Agarwal and Arya Mishra, residents of Hata in Damoh district, approached the court after their Hindu-ritual marriage on December 29, 2025. They reported that the woman's family strongly opposed their union and had issued threats to their lives. Additionally, the man's grocery shop was targeted in an arson attack, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Prior to the court petition, the couple, along with the man's father, had already lodged formal complaints with the Damoh police. The woman had separately sought protection due to the ongoing threats from her relatives.
Court's Observations and Directives
Following arguments presented on Tuesday, a bench presided over by Justice B P Sharma noted that both adults had entered into marriage by mutual consent. However, they were facing significant threats from the woman's relatives, which jeopardized their safety and personal liberty.
The court emphasized the importance of protecting the couple's fundamental rights and ordered the Damoh SP to take immediate and effective steps to ensure their safety. This directive underscores the judiciary's role in upholding individual freedoms and combating social prejudices.
Legal Representation and Broader Implications
Advocate Vishal Daniel represented the couple in the court proceedings, advocating for their right to live without fear. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by inter-caste couples in India, particularly in regions where traditional family pressures and social norms can lead to violence and harassment.
The court's intervention serves as a reminder of the legal protections available to individuals in such situations and the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to act promptly. It also reflects a growing judicial trend towards supporting personal choices in marriage, especially in cases involving consenting adults from different castes.
This ruling is expected to set a precedent for similar cases, encouraging other couples in distress to seek judicial recourse. It reinforces the principle that threats and violence cannot be tolerated, regardless of familial or social objections to marriage.
