The Bombay High Court on Monday (November 9) reiterated that an adult woman has complete freedom to choose her life partner, irrespective of religion, and cannot be subjected to force or pressure while exercising such choice.

A division bench of Justice Advait M. Sethna and Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale, sitting as a vacation court, made the observation while disposing of a petition filed by a 21-year-old Hindu woman who married a Muslim man of her choice and sought police protection, apprehending opposition from her family members.

Referring to the Supreme Court's decision in Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. & Ors., the bench observed that the right to marry a person of one's choice is an integral part of Article 21 of the Constitution.

"A person has complete freedom to choose life partner of any faith, belief, religion, caste etc. Such legal position is not disputed. We are of the considered opinion that the Petitioner, being a major and an adult, is at complete liberty to exercise her choice and right to choose her life partner and take an appropriate decision in that regard without any force or being influenced by any pressure, whatsoever," the bench said. 

The bench was hearing a petition filed by a 21-year-old Hindu woman who had married a 21-year-old Muslim man on October 19, 2026, after being in a relationship with him for approximately four to five years. According to the petition, the relationship was known to the parents of both parties.

Soon after their marriage, the couple approached the Dharavi Police Station to inform the authorities about their marriage and seek protection, as the woman apprehended that her parents would oppose her decision.

Alleging that the Police was not co-operating with the requests, the girl moved the High Court seeking protection from her family members. Therefore, the bench ordered the police to 'strictly act within the four corners of the law' and consider the request of the petitioner. 

"The Petitioner has expressed certain apprehension regarding the conduct of the police authorities. At this stage, we do not deem it appropriate to make any observations in this regard. Needless to mention that the police authorities would act within the four corners of and strictly in accordance with law," the bench said while disposing of the plea. 

With these observations, the court disposed of the plea. 

Appearance:

Advocates RK Mendadkar, Jagdish Kawale and Siddhant S appeared for the Petitioner.

Additional Public Prosecutor Shreekant Gawand represented the State.