High Court: Family has no power to block choice of marriage partner

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has ruled that a person's right to marry the person of their choice is protected by the constitution. The court emphasized that even family members cannot prevent such marriages.

This decision came in response to a petition filed by a young couple seeking police protection. The High Court instructed the Delhi Police to ensure the couple's safety as they were facing threats from their families.

Justice Tushar Rao Gadela delivered the verdict stating that it is the constitutional duty to safeguard all citizens and provide security to couples who marry without family support. He affirmed that every person has the constitutional right to marry the person they choose.

The petitioners' marriage did not have the consent of both families. They got married in April and since then, the girl's mother and family had been threatening her.

The judge emphasized that neither the family nor anyone else has the authority to interfere in the petitioners' marriage or their lives because they are adults. The court also ordered Delhi Police to protect the couple from any threats or violence from their families or others and instructed the police to conduct an investigation if necessary.

Additionally, the court directed that the petitioners' residential and workplace information should be provided to the relevant authorities.