Indian High Court allows Hindu woman to live with Muslim husband, says parents ‘cannot dictate’ choice

The Allahabad High Court has allowed a 26-year-old woman from Ghaziabad to leave her father’s custody and live with her Muslim husband, ruling that an adult has the fundamental right to choose her life partner.

The court passed the order on Tuesday in a habeas corpus petition concerning Sonika Chauhan, who was produced before the court by police from Indirapuram police station. Chauhan, who has completed her BA, told the court that she had married Akbar Khan and wanted to live with him.

According to Hindustan Times, Chauhan alleged that her father had confined her at home because he disapproved of her marriage. Khan also appeared before the court and expressed his willingness to live with her.

Her father, Lakshman Singh Chauhan, however, alleged that Khan had blackmailed his daughter and that she was acting under pressure.

After interacting with the parties, the court said a person who has attained the age of majority has the fundamental right to choose a partner and live according to their own wishes.

The court observed that such a choice is personal to the individual and cannot be dictated or controlled by parents or other family members, NDTV reported.

The court accordingly allowed Chauhan to live with Khan and directed police authorities to provide adequate security to the couple. It also ordered family members not to interfere in their matrimonial life.