Jahanvi Agarwal
Recently, the Delhi High Court ordered a 22-year-old lesbian’s family and relatives not to intimidate or exert pressure on the woman or her partner. They are free to live their lives however they choose, according to the court.
The woman informed the court that she preferred to remain with her lover rather than return to her family, and the court then issued its ruling.
The division bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Neena Bansal Krishna explained that action will be taken against any parties who disobeyed the order since the lady is an adult and cannot be compelled to travel somewhere against her will.
The bench stated that:
“We hereby make it clear that the parents, relatives and their associates shall not extend any threat in whatsoever manner directly or indirectly or undue pressure upon the petitioner as well as the survivor. The petitioner and the survivor are at liberty to live their lives in the society as per their own style.”
The woman’s partner filed a habeas corpus petition before the court, claiming that she was “missing” and had been abducted by her family because they disapproved of their relationship.
The woman was brought before the court on the last hearing date, and the court ordered the police to transport her to a shelter home and make the appropriate preparations for her board and lodging there.
The bench ruled on August 29 that the woman is 22 years old, and according to the law, she cannot be forced to travel somewhere against her will.
The court stated that:
“We are of the considered opinion that the woman is at liberty to stay with whomever and wherever she wants.”
The woman’s father, who was also present in court, gave the judges assurances that all of her possessions and paperwork would be given to her via a police officer.
In addition, the bench gave the pair permission to cohabitate in the petitioner’s residence and ordered the Station House Officer (SHO) of the relevant police station to provide them access to the phone numbers of the lady sub-inspector and beat constable.
The woman’s maternal uncle and dad were previously ordered by the High Court to get counselling so they could learn how to accept her “as per her wishes.”
The woman’s uncle, however, claimed to the therapist during the therapy session that she had been brainwashed by her spouse, according to information provided to the court on August 29.
He claimed that despite his attempts to educate himself on homosexuality, his family had a hard time accepting it.