Written by Kelly Were
In a powerful affirmation of personal liberty, the Delhi High Court has declared that inter-caste marriages are in the “national interest” as it granted legal protection to a couple facing familial threats for their relationship.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Subramonium Prasad on 8th November, directs the Delhi Police to evaluate the threats and provide security to the couple, who have been in a relationship for eleven years in the face of staunch opposition from their families.
The court’s decision framed the right to choose one’s partner, irrespective of caste, as a fundamental aspect of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
Justice Prasad emphasised the transformative social role of such unions, stating, “The choice of an individual to marry outside their caste is a beacon of social reform and is in the national interest.”Â
This judicial stance provides a robust legal counterweight to the deep-seated social prejudices that often lead to harassment, violence, and so-called “honour killings” in parts of the country.
The petitioner’s counsel hailed the decision, noting, “This ruling is a powerful shield for countless couples who defy regressive social norms for love.”
The judgment is not an isolated act but part of a growing body of jurisprudence where Indian courts are actively defending individual autonomy against archaic social hierarchies. It reinforces earlier Supreme Court rulings that have championed the right to marry as a fundamental right.
A social activist working on caste issues commented, “The judiciary is once again stepping in where society and families have failed, preventing potential honour violence.”
By explicitly linking inter-caste marriage to the national interest, the Delhi High Court has elevated a deeply personal choice to a matter of public good, offering hope and legal recourse to many others in similar situations and signalling that the state has a role in safeguarding social progress.
