By IANS,
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Monday rejected the plea of a man seeking the release of a woman from the “unlawful confinement” by her family as she was his lover whom he had secretly married.
The court took note of the woman’s submission that she was not married to the man and disposed of the plea.
The petitioner alleged that her family had been threatening both of them with severe consequences under the illegal diktat of a ‘khap panchayat’ (kangaroo court).
A division bench of Justice V.K. Jain and Justice Pratibha Rani said: “Vijeta (woman) admitted that she is 29 years old and does not want to go with the petitioner. She is living with her mother without any pressure. No further order is required. The petition is disposed of.”
Sunil Kumar, 31, a resident of Ghitorni village in south Delhi, moved the court saying he married the woman, who lives in the neighbouring Sultanpur village, in September 2008 without the consent of their family members.
He said that the life and liberty of both of them were threatened by the illegal (khap) panchayat because they married against the convention.
The petitioner earlier told the court that his “wife” was in illegal confinement of her family and the panchayat members were forcefully marrying her with someone else June 27.
The petition said that they liked each other from their school days and got married in 2008 at a temple without the consent of their family members.
Sunil Kumar alleged that the family of his “wife” refused to accept their marriage, snatched their marriage certificate and confined her to their house.
On being informed by his “wife” a few days ago that her family was forcefully marrying her with another person, he lodged a police complaint.
He alleged after police initiated an inquiry he had been receiving threats on the phone.