Inter-Caste Unions In National Interest, Must Be Protected From Familial Or Communal Interference: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has observed that inter caste unions are in the national interest and must be protected from familial or communal interference. Justice Sanjeev Narula observed that when two consenting adults decide to marry or cohabit, neither family nor community can lawfully obstruct that choice or subject them to pressure, social sanctions or threats.“Supreme Court has recognised that caste continues to exert a strong social influence in India, and that inter-caste marriages perform a valuable constitutional and societal function by promoting integration and reducing caste divisions. Such unions, the Supreme Court has observed, are in the national interest and must receive firm protection from any familial or communal interference,” the Court said.Justice Narula made the observations while granting police protection to an inter caste couple, who were in a relationship for the past eleven years and intended to solemnize their marriage.It was their case that the mother, sister, brother-in-law and other relatives of the woman opposed their relationship and were issuing threats. They sought directions to the Delhi Police to secure their safety and to prevent interference with their decision to marry. The counsel appearing for the Delhi Police said that a designated constable's contact had already been shared with the couple, pursuant to an earlier complaint.The Court directed the SHO of the jurisdictional police station go conduct a brief threat-assessment of the couple forthwith. It added that based on its outcome, the officer must take preventive steps permissible in law, including but not limited to appropriate diary entries, beat patrolling near the couple's current residence and other measures necessary to deter harassment or intimidation. “If the Petitioners report any threat or attempt at interference by Respondent Nos. 2 to 6 or any other person, the police shall register a DD entry, extend immediate protection, and proceed in accordance with law,” the Court said. “These directions are preventive and protective in character. No opinion is expressed on the veracity of the allegations levelled against Respondent Nos. 2 to 6 or civil or personal disputes, if any, between the parties,” it added.Title: AANCHAL AND ANR v. THE STATE NCT OF DELHI AND ORSCitation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 1462Click here to read order

Inter-Caste Unions In National Interest, Must Be Protected From Familial Or Communal Interference: Delhi High Court

Nupur Thapliyal

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