Delhi High Court: True Love Among Adolescents Cannot Be Controlled by Police Action
The Delhi High Court recently quashed a kidnapping and rape case against Arif Khan, who had eloped with a minor girl and married her according to Muslim customs. Justice Sharma observed that love between adolescents cannot be regulated solely through police action.
Case Background
The case began when the girl’s father filed an FIR in January 2015, accusing Khan of kidnapping and rape. When the girl was found, she was five months pregnant. She refused to abort the child, stating that it was conceived within their marital bond and out of love for her husband.
Khan was arrested in June 2015 and remained in jail until April 2018, when he was granted bail. Since then, the couple has been living together and has had another daughter.
Court’s Observations
Justice Sharma noted that the couple’s love story was disrupted by legal proceedings, which followed the existing laws. The girl stated that she had willingly entered into a relationship with Khan and was 18 years old at the time. However, Delhi Police disputed her claim, citing school records that showed her as a minor.
The court highlighted that despite legal barriers, the girl made a choice to continue her pregnancy and stand by her husband. Today, the couple has been married for nine years and is happily raising their two daughters.
Balancing Law and Social Impact
Justice Sharma emphasized that courts must not only interpret the law but also consider the broader impact of their decisions on individuals and society. He stressed that the judiciary must balance legal statutes with social realities to ensure fairness and justice.
The court concluded that allowing the case to proceed would negatively affect the couple’s children and undermine real justice. Therefore, it ruled in favor of quashing the FIR.
Conclusion
This ruling highlights the complexities of adolescent relationships, legal frameworks, and societal norms. The Delhi High Court’s decision underscores the importance of considering human emotions and long-term consequences in legal judgments.
Be a part our social media community:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianMan.in?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/indianman.in?igsh=MWZ2N3N0ZmpwM3l3cw==
