Major Woman's Choice To Live With Partner Must Be Protected From External Forces: MP High Court
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted police protection to a woman residing with a 26-year-old man, observing that she is a major and therefore, her choice to reside per her own will must be protected from external forces. [2026 LiveLaw (MP) 209]2026 LiveLaw (MP) 209The bench of Justice Rajesh Kumar Gupta observed: "... since she is a major, she is entitled to reside as per her own will,...
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted police protection to a woman residing with a 26-year-old man, observing that she is a major and therefore, her choice to reside per her own will must be protected from external forces. [2026 LiveLaw (MP) 209]
2026 LiveLaw (MP) 209
The bench of Justice Rajesh Kumar Gupta observed:
"... since she is a major, she is entitled to reside as per her own will, and if she so decides, her choice needs to be protected from external forces".
The couple had approached the High Court seeking directions to give proper protection and help against her father (respondent no. 4) and his associates. Per the couple, they are residing together against the wishes of their parents and are apprehensive that their parents might take action against them.
The counsel for the State opposed the application, stating that if such protection is granted, it would not be in the larger interest of society or promote promiscuity in society.
The court noted that the woman was a major who is entitled to choose her residence and therefore, such a choice must be protected from external forces. Directing the respondents to provide protection to the couple, the court disposed of the petition.
Case Title: Ridham Verma v State of Madhya Pradesh, WP-19028-2026
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (MP) 209
For Petitioners: Advocate Rakesh Kumar Sharma
For State: Government Advocate Anshul Rajpurohit