Allahabad High Court Directs Police Protection for Interfaith Lesbian Couple; Here's Why
The Allahabad High Court directed UP Police to protect a Hindu-Muslim lesbian couple facing family threats. Rejecting the state's arguments on traditional frameworks, Justice Dr Gautam Chowdhary ruled that voluntary adult cohabitation is a fundamental right protected regardless of marital recognition.
The Allahabad High Court has directed Uttar Pradesh Police to provide immediate protection to a Hindu-Muslim same-s*x couple (lesbian couple) facing threats from family members, ruling that consensual live-in arrangements are protected under adult physical liberty.
Court Order and Findings
In an order passed on September 14, Justice Dr Gautam Chowdhary directed local police to extend security upon verifying majority age and voluntary cohabitation. After interacting directly with the petitioners, the bench noted that both individuals are educated, major, and capable of understanding their well-being, confirming that their relationship is based on free consent without pressure or coercion, reports Bar and Bench. Wife-Husband POSH Case: Allahabad High Court Stays Action, Examines POSH Law in Marital Dispute.
Legal Stand and Arguments
Counsel for the petitioners argued that the interfaith, same-s*x couple faced immediate threats to life and physical safety from dissenting family members. Opposing the plea, State representatives contended that same-s*x relationships lack social acceptance and conflict with traditional societal frameworks. Rejecting the State’s stance, the Court affirmed that:
- Being in a live-in relationship is a fundamental right of consenting adult citizens.
- Lack of formal legal recognition for same-s*x marriage does not justify violating personal safety, dignity, or physical liberty.
- Relatives and third parties possess no legal standing to interfere with voluntary adult cohabitation. Allahabad High Court Acquits Doctor Convicted for Raping Minor Daughter After Wife's False S*xual Abuse Allegation.
Precedent and Scope
The ruling reinforces Supreme Court jurisprudence holding that adult autonomy and freedom of association supersede familial or traditional objections. Police authorities across the jurisdiction are mandated to intervene and provide protective cover upon credible verification of voluntary cohabitation and safety risk.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 11:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
