Allahabad High Court upholds woman's right to live with husband

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that an adult woman has the right to choose her life partner, allowing a 26-year-old Hindu woman to live with her Muslim husband.

In a habeas corpus petition, the court addressed the case of Sonika Chauhan, who stated she voluntarily married Akbar Khan in 2022 under the Special Marriage Act. Her father had previously filed a complaint accusing Khan of abduction and argued that the marriage was the result of blackmail. However, the court found no evidence of coercion or undue influence.

The court observed that an adult woman’s choice of a partner falls under her fundamental right to life and personal liberty as protected by Article 21 of the Constitution. The ruling stated that such decisions cannot be controlled by parents or family members. The court directed authorities to ensure the couple’s safety and ordered the woman’s family not to interfere with their matrimonial life.