‘Right to Marry Person of Choice Indelible and Constitutionally Safeguarded’: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court, while granting police protection to a couple facing threats from their family after their marriage, affirmed that the right to marry a person of one’s own choice is unassailable and constitutionally safeguarded.

The court underlined that the State has a constitutional obligation to ensure the protection of its citizens, and, as a constitutional court, the high court is responsible for upholding the couple’s constitutional rights.

“The right of the petitioners to marry a person of their own choice is indelible and protected under the Constitution, which cannot be diluted in any manner whatsoever,” the court stated.

It further emphasized that no one, not even family members, has the right to object to the relationship or matrimonial ties between the petitioners.

The couple had sought police protection as they had married against their parents’ wishes in April and were living together while facing threats from family members, particularly the woman’s mother.

The high court ordered the State to provide protection to the petitioners, ensuring their safety and protection from harm, especially from their parents or family members. The concerned beat officer was instructed to conduct regular check-ins on the couple.

Additionally, if the petitioners relocated to a different address than the one mentioned in the case, the investigating officer was to notify the Station House Officer (SHO) of the relevant police station, ensuring compliance with the court’s order. The petitioners were required to disclose their current residential and work addresses to the investigating officer, with strict instructions not to share this information with unauthorized individuals.