Adult Woman Is Free to Choose Her Life Partner Without Force or Pressure, Rules Bombay High Court in Z.S. v. State of Maharashtra
Case: Z.S. v. State of Maharashtra and Others
Citation: 2026:BHC-AS:45505-DB
Date of Judgment: 09 November 2026
Court: Bombay High Court
Coram: Justice Advait M. Sethna and Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale
Proceedings: Criminal Writ Petition No. 6138 of 2026
Court Observation
“The Petitioner, being a major and an adult, is at complete liberty to exercise her choice and right to choose her life partner and take an appropriate decision in that regard without any force or being influenced by any pressure, whatsoever.”
Summary
The Bombay High Court has held that an adult woman is at complete liberty to choose her life partner and make that decision without force or pressure. A vacation Division Bench disposed of a protection petition filed by a 21-year-old Hindu woman who had married a 21-year-old Muslim man of her choice on 19 October 2026, after a relationship of four to five years known to both sets of parents.
The couple had approached the Dharavi police after the marriage to inform them of the decision and seek protection, but the police station refused to take any steps. The woman’s parents, as alleged, forcibly took her to Uttar Pradesh, but she returned to Mumbai and was directed to seek police protection so that she could reside in her matrimonial home. Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M., the Court held that the right to marry a person of one’s choice is an integral part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court made no observations on the alleged conduct of the police, and said the police authorities would act strictly in accordance with law.
Key Holdings
- The right to marry a person of one’s choice is an integral part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- A person has complete freedom to choose a life partner of any faith, belief, religion or caste.
- An adult is at complete liberty to exercise her choice and right to choose her life partner and take an appropriate decision in that regard without any force or being influenced by any pressure whatsoever.
Directions Issued
- The police authorities are to act strictly in accordance with law.
- The petition stands disposed of, with the consent of the petitioner’s counsel.
Background
The petition was moved before the vacation court on the ground of extreme urgency through a praecipe filed on 7 November 2026. The matter had first been moved before the regular court on 4 November 2026, which granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the vacation court.
Related Articles
- Sachin Waze’s Bail Cancelled in Antilia Bomb Scare Case, Rules Bombay High Court
- Broken Chain of Circumstances Frees Life Convict, Rules Bombay High Court
- Arrest Declared Illegal and Rs.5 Lakh Compensation Awarded, Rules Bombay High Court
Disclaimer: This is a summary prepared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should refer to the official judgment for the authoritative text.
