​The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has reaffirmed that when two consenting adults choose to marry, their decision is protected under Articles 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. Justice M.A. Chowdhary emphasized that such a choice is a manifestation of personal liberty and dignity, and thus, the consent of family, community, or clan is not necessary. The court stated that this right must be zealously guarded and cannot be overridden by societal norms or familial expectations.

This ruling came in response to a petition by a couple who married according to Muslim personal law against their families’ wishes and sought protection due to threats from relatives. The court directed authorities to provide adequate security to the couple, ensuring their safety and upholding their constitutional rights.

This decision aligns with previous judgments by other High Courts in India, such as the Delhi High Court, which has also upheld the right of adults to marry a person of their choice, emphasizing that even family members cannot object to such unions.

Overall, the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court’s ruling reinforces the constitutional protection of individual autonomy in matters of marriage, underscoring that personal choice and dignity are paramount.

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