The Allahabad High Court has recently held that an adult is free to marry or live with a person of their choice and no one,including their parents or anyone on their behalf, can interfere in their right to freedom of choosing a partner. The court stated, this freedom emanates from the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. While disposing of a petition filed by an interfaith couple in a live-in relationship, Justice Surendra Singh directed that if any disturbance is caused in the peaceful living of the petitioner, they shall approach the superintendent of police concerned with a copy of the order for protection.
However, in their petition, the Muslim woman and her Hindu live-in partner sought that their family members be directed not to interfere in their peaceful living. They also sought direction to the police for protection.
The counsel of the petitioners submitted that both are adults and in a live-in relationship of their own free will. Furthermore, it was submitted that the woman’s mother and her family members are averse to the live-in relationship.
The woman’s mother and other family members are allegedly harassing & disturbing the peaceful life of the petitioners. The petition claimed that, she has also threatened the petitioners with dire consequences.
The woman sought protection from the Gautam Budh Nagar Commissionerate police commissioner on August 4 but it was of no avail.