Bombay HC Grants Protection To Couple In Inter-Religious Marriage

The Bombay High Court has granted protection to a Nalasopara-based couple in an interfaith marriage, allowing the woman to stay with her husband. The husband had approached the court seeking direction for the production of his wife, who was taken away by her family under force to their native place.

The man, who belongs to a minority religion, filed a petition through his lawyer Tariq Khan after his wife, who belongs to another religion, was taken by her parents to their native place in Uttar Pradesh. The woman’s parents had also managed to get a case registered against the man at the local police station, alleging abduction.

It is claimed that the 23-year-old woman and the man met in 2021 and fell in love. In January this year, they eloped and married against the wishes of the woman’s parents. Unable to accept the marriage, her family members took her to their native place, prompting the husband to approach the High Court.

The High Court directed the authorities to bring the woman to court. It was noted during last week’s hearing that the woman managed to travel from her native place to Mumbai and appeared before the court, whereas her parents did not accompany her.

In a closed-chamber hearing held on April 8, the court questioned the woman, who expressed her desire to stay with her husband. The court remarked, “Her categorical answer was to go and reside with the petitioner. She is an adult. She is free to make her own decisions. She has stated before the court that she has already married the petitioner.”

The court allowed the woman to stay with her husband and directed the officers at Nalasopara police Station, where the husband resides, to take necessary steps to ensure the couple’s safety.

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