#marriage autonomy

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that an adult woman’s voluntary decision to leave home, reside in a hostel, and marry of her own choice cannot be overturned via habeas corpus, even when family files missing person reports. This reinforces that personal liberty under Article 21 includes the right to self-determination in residence and relationships, and police must protect such autonomy - not act as agents of familial control.

Rajasthan High Court directs police to evaluate threat perceptions and provide protection to adult couples in inter-faith or inter-caste marriages, reinforcing that fundamental rights under Article 21 cannot be compromised. The ruling mandates law enforcement to prevent vigilante actions and ensure safety without adjudicating marital validity.

Madhya Pradesh High Court affirms that major adults have an absolute right to choose their life partner; threats or inaction by police violate Article 21 and must be remedied.