On Tuesday, the Allahabad High Court granted a 26-year-old woman from Ghaziabad the right to leave her father’s custody and reside with her Muslim husband. The court emphasized that adults have the autonomy to select their life partners and live according to their own choices. This ruling underscores the legal recognition of personal freedom in marital decisions, particularly in the context of interfaith relationships.
She was brought to the court by a sub-inspector and a woman constable from Indirapuram police station. The court accordingly held that Chauhan was at liberty to live with Khan and directed the police to provide adequate security to the couple. It also directed the family members not to interfere in their matrimonial life.
Justice Sandeep Jain passed the order on a habeas corpus petition, filed in September 2025, in connection with Sonika Chauhan, who was produced before the court on Tuesday in compliance with its September 8 order.
Such a choice, it said, is personal to the individual and cannot be dictated or controlled by the wishes of parents or other family members.
Because he disapproved of her marriage, she said she wanted to live with him and alleged that her father had confined her at home. During her interaction with the court, Chauhan said she was 26 years old, had completed her BA and had married Akbar Khan.
After interacting with all the parties, the court held that a person who has attained age of majority has the fundamental right to choose a life partner and live according to her own wishes.
Khan also appeared before the court and expressed his willingness to live with Chauhan.
