Terming as illegal the detention of a 25-year-old woman by her parents, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked them to set her at liberty, and castigated the Karnataka High Court for “total lack of sensitivity” while handling the case.
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India ordered the immediate release of a 25-year-old woman, who was illegally detained by her parents to prevent her from pursuing a relationship and a career in Dubai. The bench, comprising Justices Bhushan R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, declared the woman’s detention in Bengaluru for over four months as “illegal” and affirmed her right to “proceed further as per her own wishes.”
The court emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating,
“Even a single day is one day too many when the liberty of a person is involved.”
This strong assertion underlines the court’s commitment to individual liberty, highlighting that no court or parents have the authority to make decisions for an adult woman regarding her relationships, career, or residence.
During the proceedings, the bench interacted with the woman in their chamber, noting her high qualifications and maturity in understanding what is right for her life. They stressed that a major girl cannot be compelled against her wishes.
The Supreme Court also expressed its disappointment with the Karnataka High Court for adjourning the matter at least 14 times and indefinitely postponing it to 2025, contributing to the woman’s further illegal detention. The high court’s lack of sensitivity and appropriate action in this matter was criticized by the bench.
“When in a habeas corpus petition the detenue-Meera Chidambaram had in unequivocal terms expressed before the High Court that she desired to go back to Dubai to pursue her career, the High Court ought to have passed the order setting her at liberty with immediate effect. Adjourning the matter on 14 occasions and now postponing it indefinitely and posting it in the year 2025 depicts a total lack of sensitivity on the part of the High Court…”
-the bench said in its order.
The woman’s boyfriend had approached the Supreme Court, alleging that she was confined by her parents in Bengaluru, who disapproved of their relationship. The couple, who had known each other for nine years and studied together in Dubai, had a steady relationship. The woman was forcibly brought back from Dubai under the pretext of her grandfather’s sickness and was being forced into an arranged marriage.
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The Supreme Court bench regretted the slow pace of the high court in hearing a habeas corpus petition and summoned the woman, her parents, and the boyfriend to appear before it. In the hearing, the woman expressed her desire to return to Dubai and pursue her career, lamenting that she missed several interview calls due to her “house arrest” by her parents. She wished to return to Dubai with her boyfriend’s parents.
The parents, while expressing their desire for their daughter to be financially independent before making significant life decisions, were told by the apex court that it was impermissible to force an adult woman against her wishes. The court directed the parents not to hinder their daughter’s plans and to return her passport and other documents.
The Supreme Court’s order echoes its mandate in the 2018 Kerala love-jihad case, emphasizing the right of individuals to choose their partners and the inviolability of personal liberty under the Constitution. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 22 to ensure compliance with its directions, reaffirming its stance on the fundamental rights of individuals to make their own life choices.
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