The Bombay High Court emphasized on Friday that every woman has a personal life and the right to decide how and with whom she wishes to live. This statement came during a hearing involving a Hindu woman in a live-in relationship with a Muslim man.
A bench of Justice Bharti Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande stated, “This is her life, and we are giving her the freedom to make her own decision. Let her do what she wants. We can only wish her the best.” However, the court refused to grant custody of the woman to her live-in partner but assured that she would be allowed to live as she chooses.
The woman’s parents argued that she was emotionally influenced and acting under pressure. The court acknowledged their concerns and advised the woman to stay with her parents for another year, but she refused, asserting her decision. The judges clarified that the woman was conscious of her welfare and that her personal decision could not be interfered with.
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The woman’s live-in partner alleged that she had been forcibly placed in a shelter home following complaints from her parents and others, including members of Bajrang Dal. He claimed that the police acted on the parents’ complaint despite the woman publicly affirming her voluntary relationship with him.
In his petition, he contended that her stay in the shelter was against her will and that her decision to live with him was made consciously, without coercion or pressure. The woman had approached the court seeking release from the shelter, asserting her independence and right to make her own choices.
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