Woman Cannot Be Forced to Marry Even After an Intimate Relationship: Punjab and Haryana High Court
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that a woman cannot be forced to marry someone, even if she was in an intimate relationship with him. The judgment came while hearing a case in which a young man took his own life after the woman refused to marry him.
Justice Gurbir Singh granted anticipatory bail to the woman, who was charged under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code for abetment of suicide. The complaint was filed on March 16 at a Ludhiana police station.
Court’s Observations
After reviewing the case records, including the suicide note, Justice Gurbir Singh noted that the relationship between the woman and the deceased had become strained. The woman’s family had already informed the police about the situation, and a compromise was reached on February 27.
The judge pointed out that from February 27 onwards, there was no longer any intimacy between the woman and the deceased. No actions from her side after that date could be linked to his suicide. Additionally, as she is unmarried and no evidence needed to be recovered from her, the court found no reason for her custodial interrogation.
Legal Perspective
Justice Gurbir Singh also highlighted that the gravity of the offense plays a role in deciding anticipatory bail. However, in this case, there was no clear evidence that the woman’s actions directly led to the man’s suicide. Therefore, without discussing the merits of the case further, the court approved her anticipatory bail.
This ruling reinforces that a woman has the right to choose whether or not to marry, regardless of past relationships.
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