New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has reaffirmed that inter-caste marriages serve the national interest and deserve full legal protection from any form of familial or communal interference. Justice Sanjeev Narula made the observation while granting police protection to an inter-caste couple who had sought safety from threats issued by their families.
Referring to an earlier Supreme Court judgment, the court underlined that when two consenting adults choose to marry or live together, no individual, family, or community has the right to obstruct or intimidate them. Justice Narula stated that such unions promote social integration and help reduce caste-based divisions within Indian society.
The couple, in a relationship for nearly a year, approached the court after receiving repeated threats from relatives opposing their marriage. Their plea requested the Delhi Police to ensure their security and safeguard their constitutional right to marry freely.
The court directed the station house officer of the concerned police station to conduct a brief threat assessment and take all necessary preventive measures. These include maintaining diary entries, patrolling near the couple’s residence, and responding immediately to any further threats.
Justice Narula emphasized that the right to choose a life partner is an essential part of personal liberty and privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. He said that protecting such unions is crucial to upholding the values of equality and freedom guaranteed to all citizens.
