Provide Counselling To Parents For Accepting Lesbian Daughter 'As Per Her Wishes': Delhi High Court Directs Shelter Home

The Delhi High Court has directed a shelter home in the national capital to provide counselling to parents of a 22-years-old lesbian woman, at least on alternative days, for accepting their daughter “as per her wishes.”

A division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Neena Bansal Krishna also ordered the shelter home’s Director to admit the woman for her stay, give her necessary facilities including food and shelter and provide her with counselling sessions.

The court passed the order while hearing a habeas corpus plea moved by the woman’s partner. 

After interacting with the parties in the chamber, the court noted that the woman’s parents agreed that she should be sent to the shelter home “in order to reflect and introspect about her future”.

On interacting with the woman, the court recorded that she expressed her wish to either go with her partner or to the shelter home. The woman also categorically stated that she was not willing to accompany her parents or any of the relatives.

Accordingly, the bench directed the Delhi Police to escort the woman to the shelter home straight from the court and make necessary arrangements for her boarding and lodging.

It clarified that neither the woman’s parents nor other concerned will extend any kind of threat or undue pressure on her or her partner.

While listing the matter on August 29, the court directed the shelter home’s Director to file a status report at least a day prior to the next date of hearing. 

Title: X v. Y

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 745