CUTTACK: Criticising parents for forcing women to marry against their will, Orissa high court has observed that consent is paramount in such cases and urged sensitisation to end parental imposition. The observation came while upholding a 21-year-old woman’s right to live independently, ruling that her choice must prevail over parental or societal pressure.Disposing of a habeas corpus petition filed by the woman’s father on Aug 6, 2025, the court noted that she had voluntarily left home after a forced marriage and did not wish to stay with either her husband or parents.
In his petition the woman’s father had alleged police inaction in tracing his daughter after she went missing. On Dec 9, 2025, the court was informed that police had contacted her and that she had stated she was living in a different state and was working with a private company. The court had then directed that she be produced before it under full protection.On Jan 6, the woman was brought to the court by the inspector-in-charge of Kakatpur police station in Puri district. The division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman interacted with the woman during which she told them that she faced difficulties after being forced into marriage, left of her own will and did not want to live either with her husband or her parents. She also informed the court that she was a major, gainfully employed and capable of earning her livelihood.Taking note of her unequivocal stand, the bench observed, “A time has come when society would introspect when 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.”It further stated, “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 sensitisation programme should be conducted by the administration eradicating any sense of imposing own decision on the children by the parents.” The order was uploaded on Jan 9.Since the woman was physically produced in court, the bench held that no purpose would be served in keeping the habeas corpus petition filed by her father pending, and disposed of the matter.Kakatpur police station IIC was directed to ensure her smooth return to her chosen place of stay and to ensure that no interference or obstruction is caused by anyone, including her parents or the “so-called husband”. Police were also asked to ensure her safety and security and to act immediately if any incident is reported.
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