Ernakulam- The Kerala High Court has strongly protected the autonomy of an adult woman in an interfaith relationship, directing her parents not to obstruct her free interaction with her partner, her career choices, or her means of communication.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. disposed of the writ petition (criminal) filed by Aswin Saji (23) of Puthupady, Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam, on 13 October 2026. The petition sought protection for the couple amid resistance from the woman’s family.

The court interacted independently with both the petitioner and the alleged detenue (the woman) in the presence of their parents. It recorded that the pair had been in a romantic relationship for nearly two years. Both are well-qualified professionals who were until recently employed in reputed companies - the woman with ALZA INC. and Aswin with Elixiron. She had also received an offer from VVDN Technologies, a reputed IT firm, but could not join due to family opposition. Both are currently unemployed.

The Bench noted that the petitioner’s family is open to accepting the woman. Aswin submitted that he would first secure employment and then decide on marriage. The woman clearly expressed her willingness to marry him.

However, her parents remained “quite adamant” against an interfaith marriage and any relationship with the petitioner. The court observed that the woman appeared to be under “tremendous mental pressure” from her parents and that her decision to cut communication was not voluntary.

The court directed that the parents of the woman shall not stand in the way of her pursuing her career or taking up employment in any firm of her choice. Both sets of parents were expected to cooperate and not create any impediment, as both individuals are adults free to decide their future.

The woman’s mobile phone, which had been wrongfully withheld by her parents, was restored to her in the courtroom. The Bench made it clear that under no circumstances shall the phone be taken away again and that all means of communication must remain open for her to freely contact the petitioner.

Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Devu G. Nair v. State of Kerala (11 March 2024), the High Court held that the couple shall be entitled to police protection if required. In case of any complaint regarding risk of violence or abuse, the Station House Officer must provide necessary protection.

The parties were directed to appear before the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Muvattupuzha, on 17 October. The DLSA Secretary is to assign a counsellor with domain expertise to interact with the couple and, if necessary, their parents to ensure their well-being.