The High Court allowed a writ petition seeking protection from family interference in the married life of two adults living together out of their own freewill. Without adjudicating on the validity of the marriage, the court permitted them to live peacefully and granted police protection if disturbed.
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Court No. - 1
Case :- WRIT - C No. - 24631 of 2022
Petitioner :- Smt. Komal Singh And Another Respondent :- State Of U.P. And 3 Others Counsel for Petitioner :- Jitendra Singh Counsel for Respondent :- C.S.C.
Hon'ble Piyush Agrawal,J.
The petitioners have preferred this writ petition for a direction upon the respondents not to interfere in their married life and also for protection of their lives and liberty.
The petitioners claim that they are adults and living together out of their own freewill and their marriage was solemnized on 4.7.2022 and got their marriage registered under the provisions of "Uttar Pradesh Marriages Registration Rules, 2017" on 5.7.2022. It is stated that for the said reason, the private respondent and their other family members have got annoyed and there is serious danger to the lives of the petitioners as they are being threatened and harassed.
The petitioners have averred in the writ petition that they are living as wife and husband. It is stated that they have apprehension that private respondent can eliminate them for the honour of their family. In case this Court does not grant them protection, their lives may be endangered.
Heard learned counsel for the petitioners and learned Standing Counsel for the State-functionaries.
In view of the order proposed to be passed, there is no need to issue notice to private respondent. With the consent of learned counsel appearing for the parties, this writ petition is being disposed of finally at this stage in terms of the Rules of the Court.
The Supreme Court in a long line of decisions has settled the law that where a boy and a girl are major and they are living with their free will, then, nobody including their parents, has authority to interfere with their living together. Reference may be made to the judgements of the Supreme Court in the cases of Gian Devi v. The Superintendent, Nari Niketan, Delhi and others, (1976) 3 SCC 234 ; Lata Singh v. State of U.P. and another, (2006) 5 SCC 475; and, Bhagwan Dass v. State (NCT of Delhi), (2011) 6 SCC 396 , which have consistently
been followed by the Supreme Court and this Court in Deepika and another v. State of U.P. and others, 2013 (9) ADJ 534. The Supreme Court in Gian Devi ( supra ) has held as under:
"7. ... Whatever may be the date of birth of the petitioner, the fact remains that she is at present more than 18 years of age. As the petitioner is sui juris no fetters can be placed upon her choice of the person with whom she is to stay, nor can any restriction be imposed regarding the place where she should stay. The court or the relatives of the petitioner can also not substitute their opinion or preference for that of the petitioner in such a matter."
Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, I am of the view that the petitioners are at liberty to live together and no person shall be permitted to interfere in their peaceful living. In case any disturbance is caused in the peaceful living of the petitioners, the petitioners shall approach the Superintendent of Police concerned, with a copy of this order, who shall provide immediate protection to the petitioners.
A liberty is granted to the private respondent that if the documents brought on the record are fabricated or forged, it will be open for the respondent to file a recall application for recall of this order.
It is made clear that this Court has not adjudicated upon the alleged marriage of the petitioners and this order, in no way, expresses opinion about the validity of their marriage.
With the aforesaid observations, the writ petition is disposed of. Order Date :- 29.8.2022 Rahul Dwivedi/-
Digitally signed by RAHUL DWIVEDI Date: 2022.08.29 14:23:56 IST Reason: Location: High Court of Judicature at Allahabad
1 issue framed by the court
Whether adults living together out of freewill can be directed to stop cohabitation or for protection against family interference.
Colour shows how this judgement treated each authority
Gian Devi v. The Superintendent, Nari Niketan, Delhi and othersReferred¶10
Gian Devi v. The Superintendent, Nari Niketan, Delhi and others, (1976) 3 SCC 234 · Who else cites this
Lata Singh v. State of U.P. and anotherReferred¶10
Lata Singh v. State of U.P. and another, (2006) 5 SCC 475 · Who else cites this
Bhagwan Dass v. State (NCT of Delhi)Referred¶10
Bhagwan Dass v. State (NCT of Delhi), (2011) 6 SCC 396 · Who else cites this
Deepika and another v. State of U.P. and othersReferred¶10
Deepika and another v. State of U.P. and others, 2013 (9) ADJ 534
Smt. Komal Singh
And Another
State Of U.P.
3 Others
Piyush Agrawal
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
