The Allahabad High Court ruled that an adult's choice of life partner cannot be controlled by family members, allowing a Hindu woman to live with her Muslim husband.
On Tuesday, the Allahabad High Court granted a petition filed by Akbar Khan, a Muslim man, seeking his right to live with his Hindu wife, Sonika Chauhan. The court observed that there was no evidence of coercion, undue influence or intimidation in their relationship.
The couple's troubles began in May 2025 when Sonika Chauhan's father, Lakshman Singh Chauhan, filed a complaint alleging that Khan had abducted and wrongfully confined his daughter. As a result, the Ghaziabad Police arrested Khan and returned Sonika to her parents. Khan was re-arrested a few weeks later and the police also invoked the Uttar Pradesh Control of Goondas Act against him, ordering him to leave the district for six months.
During the hearing of the habeas corpus petition, Sonika Chauhan submitted that she had voluntarily married Khan under the Special Marriage Act and wished to live with him. Lakshman Singh Chauhan, however, alleged that his daughter was acting under Khan's influence and objected to their marriage on religious grounds.
The court observed that there was nothing on record to indicate that Sonika Chauhan was acting under coercion, undue influence or intimidation. The court stated that she was exercising her fundamental right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution by choosing her life partner. The court's ruling upholds the individual's right to personal liberty and autonomy in choosing a life partner.
The court allowed Sonika Chauhan to live with Khan at a place of her choice. It also directed the state authorities to ensure their safety and security and provide police assistance, if required, for their safe transit. The court further directed Sonika Chauhan's family not to interfere with their peaceful matrimonial life in any manner.
Sonika Chauhan expressed relief after Tuesday's order, but her husband alleged that the police officers were not following the court's directions regarding their safe return.
Source:
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