Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Court Frees Ghaziabad Woman, Upholds Choice to Live With Husband
A 26-year-old woman named Sonika Chauhan went to court over where she could live.
She said she wanted to live with her husband, Akbar Khan.
She also said her father had kept her at home because he disliked the marriage.
Her father said Akbar had blackmailed or pressured her.
The court spoke with the people involved.
It decided that Sonika is an adult who can choose her own partner.
The court allowed her to live with Akbar.
It also ordered police protection and told the family not to interfere.
The Allahabad High Court freed 26-year-old Sonika Chauhan from her father’s custody.
Chauhan told the court she voluntarily married Akbar Khan and wanted to live with him.
Her father, Lakshman Singh Chauhan, alleged that Khan had blackmailed or coerced her.
The court said adults have a fundamental right to choose their partners and lives.
Police were ordered to provide security, while family members were told not to interfere.
- Who
- The Allahabad High Court, Sonika Chauhan, her husband Akbar Khan, and her father Lakshman Singh Chauhan.
- What
- The court released Chauhan from her father’s custody and allowed her to live with Khan.
- When
- During a hearing on Tuesday.
- Where
- The case involved a 26-year-old woman from Ghaziabad and was heard by the Allahabad High Court.
- Why
- Chauhan said she wanted to live with her husband, while her father opposed the marriage and alleged coercion.
Woman and Husband’s Position
Father’s Position
Where Chauhan Should Live
Woman and Husband’s Position
Chauhan said she voluntarily married Akbar Khan and wanted to reside with him; Khan expressed willingness to live with her.
Father’s Position
Her father said she was voluntarily living with him and was not under pressure.
Alleged Coercion
Woman and Husband’s Position
Chauhan alleged that her father had confined her at home because he disliked her marriage.
Father’s Position
Her father alleged that Akbar had blackmailed or coerced her.
Right to Choose a Partner
Woman and Husband’s Position
The court held that an adult may choose a partner and live according to her wishes.
Father’s Position
The father opposed the marriage, but the court said parental wishes cannot control an adult’s personal choice.
- Woman
- Sonika Chauhan, 26
- Husband
- Akbar Khan
- Father
- Lakshman Singh Chauhan
- Court
- Allahabad High Court
- Court ruling
- Chauhan may live with her chosen partner
- Security direction
- Police must ensure adequate security for the couple
- Family direction
- Family members must not interfere in their matrimonial life