Sensitization Programme Needed To Eradicate Parents Imposing Their Decision Regarding Marriage On Children: Orissa High Court
The Orissa High Court rendered such findings while dealing with a case where a girl, who was forced into a marriage, had left on her own after facing difficulties in her matrimonial house.
Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M.S. Raman, Orissa High Court
While granting police protection to a woman who was forced into a marriage and allowing her to stay at her place without any interference from her parents and her husband, the Orissa High Court has held that when a girl is not ready for marriage, giving her in marriage by using extraneous force is not conducive to a healthy society.
The High Court rendered such findings while dealing with a case where a girl, who was forced into a marriage, had left on her own after facing difficulties in living in her matrimonial house. The girl had disclosed that she did not intend to live with her husband nor with her parents, as she has been in gainful employment and earns her livelihood. She further stated she is a major and capable of making her own decisions.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M.S. Raman stated, “A time has come when the society would introspect when the girls are forced to marry by the parents. The decision of the girl is paramount and her consent should be obtained before any such decision is taken by the parents. When a girl is not ready for the marriage, giving her in marriage by using extraneous force is not conducive for a healthy society and a time has come when the sensitization programme should be conducted by the administration eradicating any sense of imposing own decision on the children by the parents. We respect the decision of a major girl.”
Advocate Amiya Kumar Mohanty represented the Petitioner while Addl. Govt. Advocate Sanjay Rath represented the State.
Considering that the girl had already been produced physically, the Bench held that no purpose would be subserved in keeping the instant writ petition pending.
The Bench thus ordered, “The IIC, Kakatpur PS is directed to ensure the smooth return of the girl to her respective place and shall also see that no interference and/or obstruction is created from any corner including the parents and the so-called husband of the said girl.”
The Bench disposed of the Petition by ordering the police to ensure the safety and security of the said girl at her place of abode.
Cause Title: Ajay Kumar Sahoo v. State of Odisha (Case No.: WPCRL No.120 of 2025)