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Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court

Adult choice protected, subject to verification and lawful investigation

A couple claiming a voluntary marriage sought protection against alleged violence and harassment from relatives.

Judge / Bench — Hon’ble Mr. Justice Shahzad Azeem, Judge

Referring to their age documents and the constitutional protection of adult choice under Articles 19 and 21, the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that family, community or clan consent cannot displace two adults’ choice of partner. It disposed of the petition with directions for adequate security and compliance with Lata Singh and Shakti Vahini, subject to verification of majority and solemnisation under the applicable law. Any existing FIR could still be investigated according to the rules. The Court expressly declined to authenticate either the marriage or the petitioners’ age: counsel should preserve these qualifications when relying on the protective direction or approaching the police for implementation.

Case — Aayurya Sharma & Anr. v. UT of J&K and Others · WP(C) No. 3289/2026 · 2026-10-13 · Jammu wing

Advocates appearing — Petitioners — Mr. R.D Sharma, Advocate. Respondents — Ms. Malvika Gupta, Advocate, vice Ms. Monika Kohli, Sr. AAG.

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