Punjab and Haryana High Court says parents should respect choices of couples who elope and marry

PTC News Desk: The High Court recently made significant comments regarding cases where couples elope and marry against their parents’ wishes. The court underscored that every individual has the fundamental right to choose their life partner, and parents should accept and respect this choice if they truly love their children.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of petitions from couples who elope, the High Court highlighted the emotional and social challenges these couples face. The court’s remarks came while it was addressing a 15-year-old case in which the girlfriend’s father had filed an FIR against her boyfriend.

The Case Background

The case dates back to 2009 when a man from Ludhiana lodged an FIR against a boy, alleging that he had lured his daughter and eloped with her. Seven years later, the police arrested the boy. During his arrest, the boy informed the police that he and the girl had married in 2010 and now have three children together. The girl supported his statement, asserting her happiness in the marriage. Subsequently, the boy was granted bail.

High Court’s Decision

Recently, the boy approached the High Court seeking the cancellation of the FIR. The High Court noted that both the boy and the girl were now happy and had built a life together, including having children. The court deemed it inappropriate to continue with the FIR under these circumstances.

In its ruling, the High Court emphasised that parents must understand and respect their children’s right to marry according to their own choices. The court stated that respecting this right is an essential aspect of parental love.

With this decision, the High Court cancelled the FIR that had been registered against the boy 15 years ago, setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.

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