In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court sent a strong reminder that personal liberty cannot be held hostage to family disapproval. The Court ordered police protection for a couple who had married against the wishes of the woman’s family and were allegedly receiving threats in return.
Justice Sanjeev Narula underscored that the choice of two adults to build a life together rests at the heart of Article 21 of the Constitution. “Their right to partnership, peace, and dignity is non-negotiable,” the Court noted, stressing that family objections cannot override constitutional freedoms.
The matter reached the bench after the woman’s relatives allegedly issued threats through calls and messages. Her family had also filed a missing person report, but police enquiries confirmed she had left home voluntarily and married of her own accord.
Acknowledging the couple’s fears, the Court instructed the Delhi Police to extend round-the-clock protection. Beat officers have been tasked with monitoring their safety, and the couple has been given direct contact details to ensure swift response in case of harassment or intimidation.
The ruling stands as another affirmation of judicial consistency: when love and law clash with family disapproval, the Constitution tips the scales firmly in favor of individual autonomy.
