’40-year-old husband, I am 19, unhappy marriage’:MP High Court permits wife to live with lover, Gwalior bench decision

The Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court heard a habeas corpus case and allowed a 19-year-old girl to live with her lover. The girl told the court that she was unhappy in her marriage. Her husband is 21 years older than her. She said she wanted to live with her lover, Anuj Kumar, by her own choice. She repeated the same even after counselling. The court respected her independent decision and allowed her to go with her lover. It also set up a monitoring system called ‘Shaurya Didi’ for six months. The court directed that after completing all formalities, the girl should be released from the One Stop Centre. Court prioritized the girl’s wish This petition was filed by advocate Suresh Pal Singh Gurjar on behalf of the young woman’s husband, Avdhesh. It was alleged that his wife was illegally kept by Anuj Kumar. Subsequently, the police placed the young woman in a One Stop Center. During the hearing on Friday, the young woman was presented in court from the One Stop Center by Sub-Inspector Jitendra Singh Sikarwar, Head Constable Akhilesh Senthiya, and Lady Constable Bhavna. The young woman’s parents, husband Avdhesh, and lover Anuj were also in court. The double bench of Justice Anand Pathak and Justice Pushpendra Yadav pronounced this decision prioritizing the young woman’s wishes. The young woman said – I am an adult, not in any illegal confinement During the hearing, the court asked the young woman about her wishes. The young woman clearly stated – I am an adult. I am not in any illegal bondage. I am living of my own free will. I do not want to live with my husband, nor with my parents. The young woman said – My age is 19 years, while my husband’s age is 40 years. Due to this 21-year age difference, harmony could not be established in our marital life. I was also subjected to abuse. On the court’s direction, government lawyer Anjali Gyanani counseled the young woman. Even after this, she reiterated her desire to live with her lover. Her lover Anuj also assured the court that he would take full care of the young woman. He would not subject her to any kind of harassment. Considering these circumstances, the court stated that the purpose of the petition has been fulfilled. According to the information, the young woman was married a year ago. Shaurya Didi Appointed for 6 Months The court, while allowing the young woman to go with her lover Anuj, appointed Anjali Gyanani and Lady Constable Bhavna as ‘Shaurya Didis’ for 6 months. They will remain in contact with the young woman and work to ensure her safety, well-being, and guidance. The court also directed that the young woman be released from the One Stop Center, Kampu (Gwalior) after completing the necessary formalities. .