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Delhi High Court Directs Police to Protect Interfaith Couple and Probe Detention Allegations

The bench underscored its duty to uphold personal liberty without resolving factual disputes.

The Delhi high court ordered police protection for a young couple who feared harassment from the woman's family.
The choice to marry someone from a different faith is safeguarded under the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, even if it challenges social norms and family expectations, the Delhi High Court has held. (Representative photo)
In their petition, the couple stated that they had solemnised their marriage after a relationship of over seven years but were facing strong opposition from the woman’s family (Representative photo)

Overview

  • The Delhi High Court reaffirmed that consenting adults’ choice of partner is protected under Article 21 and cannot be overridden by family opposition.
  • The court directed Delhi Police to continue providing protection in a safe-house and ordered the station house officer (SHO) to assign a beat officer and supply emergency contacts.
  • The bench asked the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East) to investigate claims that the woman was unlawfully separated and detained at Nirmal Chhaya Shelter Home, with a report due to the court.
  • Justice Sanjeev Narula clarified the order focused solely on safeguarding the couple’s right to life, liberty and dignity and did not assess the veracity of their allegations.
  • The case remains pending with the next hearing set for September 12 to assess police compliance and the outcome of the administrative inquiry.