Bombay High Court Grants Protection to Interfaith Couple, Allows Woman to Stay with Husband

Mumbai, April 18, 2025:In a significant ruling affirming the right of consenting adults to choose their partners, the Bombay High Court has granted protection to a Nalasopara-based interfaith couple, allowing the woman to live with her husband despite strong opposition from her family.

The case came before the court after the husband approached the judiciary, seeking a direction for the production of his wife, who was allegedly taken away under force by her family to their native place in Uttar Pradesh. The couple had married earlier this year, despite their families’ disapproval.

The 23-year-old woman and her husband, who belong to different religions, reportedly fell in love in 2021 and married in January 2025 after eloping. Following the marriage, the woman’s family allegedly filed a false abduction case against the husband and forcibly took her away to Uttar Pradesh.

Represented by advocate Tariq Khan, the husband filed a habeas corpus petition, leading the High Court to direct the authorities to ensure the woman’s presence before the court.

In a closed-chamber hearing on April 8, the woman appeared in person before the court, stating unequivocally that she wished to stay with her husband. Notably, her parents did not accompany her to the hearing.

Quoting the woman's statement, the court remarked, “Her categorical answer was to go and reside with the petitioner. She is an adult. She is free to make her own decisions. She has stated before the court that she has already married the petitioner.”

The court ordered that the woman be allowed to live with her husband and directed the Nalasopara Police to ensure the couple’s safety and protection going forward.

The ruling has been hailed as a reaffirmation of the constitutional rights of adults in interfaith relationships to choose their life partners and live free from coercion or familial pressure.