‘Let Me Study And Work’: 20-Year-Old Woman Seeks MP High Court Protection From Family In Indore
Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A 20-year-old woman from Ujjain has moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court against her family members, alleging mental and physical harassment, pressure to marry and hurdles in pursuing her studies and a job. The woman, currently living in Bhawarkuwa, Indore, also alleged threats to her life and made serious allegations of sexual exploitation against her father. She…
In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a 20-year-old woman from Ujjain has filed a petition with the Madhya Pradesh High Court against her family, alleging mental and physical harassment, pressure to marry, and obstacles to her education and career. The young woman, currently residing in Bhawarkuwa, Indore, also claimed threats to her life and serious accusations of sexual exploitation by her father. She sought police protection by approaching the High Court.
Justice Sandeep N Bhatt acknowledged that an adult woman should not be harassed merely because her family objects to her decisions. The court emphasized that her right to personal liberty and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution cannot be disregarded. Justice Bhatt expressed concern over the daughter's allegations of sexual exploitation by her father, stating that if the petitioner is an adult, she should not be harassed regardless of her family's objections.
The High Court cited the Supreme Court's judgment in Lata Singh vs State of Uttar Pradesh while evaluating the woman's right to make her own choices.
The court instructed the woman to file a statement with the Ujjain Superintendent of Police (SP), detailing those who allegedly threatened her. In case of emergency or inability to reach the SP, she may report to the nearest police station. The court directed immediate action if the SP or Station House Officer (SHO) finds a threat to her life, following the Supreme Court's directives in Shakti Vahini vs Union of India.
The woman had previously lodged complaints with the Ujjain and Indore SPs on August 12 and 13, respectively. The High Court dismissed her petition and directed the Advocate General to inform the Ujjain SP for swift action.
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