The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted relief to a 20-year-old woman seeking protection against the alleged coercive methods by her parents and relatives, observing that being a major and a citizen of India, she is entitled to practise her religion according to her own beliefs. [2026 LiveLaw (MP) 360]

The bench of Justice Sandeep N Bhatt was hearing a writ petition filed by a 20-year-old woman seeking police protection and directions to ensure her parents, relatives, or any other person does not interfere with her decision to renounce the worldly life and become a Jain Saadhvi.

"Petitioner being a major (aged more than 18 years) and citizen of India is entitled to get protection of her family rights and other legal rights and for any obstruction caused by anybody, the same cannot be permitted in eye of law".

The bench further directed;

"In view of the above, the petitioner is directed to approach the Superintendent of Police/concerned police station/respondent No.4 by filing an application for asking some assistance against any coercive method taken by any other person against her including her parents". 

The petitioner told the court that she had chosen to follow Shwetambar Jain Dharma and wished to pursue the religious path of Diksha. She alleged that her parents and relatives were opposing her decision and attempting to prevent her from pursuing it. 

She apprehended that, due to the influence of her family in society, they would be able to interfere with her freedom of conscience and religion and restrict her movement. The petitioner has also submitted a representation to the Indore Commissioner of Police seeking protection. 

The bench, while showing "sympathy" towards the plight of parents, noted that the petitioner, being a major, is entitled to the protection of her personal and constitutional rights. 

Accordingly, the bench directed

"In view of the above, the petitioner is directed to approach the Superintendent of Police/concerned police station/respondent No.4 by filing an application for asking some assistance against any coercive method taken by any other person against her including her parents. If such application is filed, then the concerned authority/concerned SHO of concerned Police Station shall look into the matter and immediately take action in accordance with directions given by Apex Court". 

Case Title: Tanisha v State of MP, WP-48919-2025

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (MP) 360

For Petitioner: Advocate Ashish Joshi

For State: Advocate Garvit Jain Panel

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