An Adult Woman Is Free To Reside Wherever She Wishes And With Whoever She Wishes: Delhi HC Directs Police To Counsel The Parents

The order was passed in a habeas corpus petition moved by the family members of the said woman, seeking her production before the court. As per the petition, she went missing on 12/09/20. A man named Babloo was identified as a suspect for her being missing from her parent's house.

The said woman was traced and was produced before the court through video-conferencing. The court noted that in her statements made under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, she categorically stated that she went with Babloo of her own free will and accord and that she has married him.

In light of these observations, the court directed the concerned woman to reside with her husband Babloo. The court further directed that:

'We direct the police authorities to escort her to the residence of Babloo. The police authorities shall also counsel the petitioner and the parents of Sulekha not to take the law into their hands or threaten either the woman or Babloo. The mobile phone number of the Beat Constable of the police station where the concerned woman would reside with Babloo should be provided to both Sulekha and Babloo so that they may get in touch with police officials in case of need.'