Allahabad HC Frees Woman From Father's Custody, Lets Her Live With Husband

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the release of a 26-year-old woman from Ghaziabad from her father's custody and permitted her to live with her husband, holding that an adult is free to choose a partner without interference from family.

The woman, Sonika Chauhan, had alleged that her father, Lakshman Singh Chauhan, confined her at home because he disapproved of her marriage to Akbar Khan.

Appearing before the court during Tuesday's hearing, she said she had married Khan of her own volition and wanted to live with him. Khan told the court he too wished to live with her.

Her father, however, contended that his daughter had been blackmailed and was under Khan's coercion. In the same breath, he also submitted that she was living with Khan voluntarily and without any pressure.

After interacting with those involved, the court observed that it is settled law that a person who has attained the age of majority is entitled to exercise the fundamental right to choose a partner and to lead life as she wishes. Such a choice, the court said, is personal to the individual and cannot be dictated or controlled by the wishes of parents or other family members.

The court said Sonika is at liberty to live with her partner and directed the police to provide adequate security to the couple. It also directed family members not to interfere in their married life.