2 hrs ago
High Court Protects 20-Year-Old Seeking Jain Sadhvi Life
A 20-year-old woman wants to become a Jain sadhvi, which means choosing a religious life.
She wants to follow the Shvetambara Jain faith.
Her parents and relatives reportedly disagreed with her decision.
She asked the court for protection.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court said adults can make important choices about their own lives.
It also said she can practise the religion she chooses.
The court said nobody may use force or coercion to stop her.
If she feels threatened, she can ask the police for help.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court said a 20-year-old woman may choose her religion and life path.
The woman wants to join the Shvetambara Jain faith and become a Jain sadhvi.
Her parents and relatives allegedly opposed and harassed her decision.
The court said adults can make their own decisions and ordered protection against coercion.
The woman can seek immediate police assistance if anyone obstructs or threatens her.
- Who
- A 20-year-old woman, her parents and relatives, and the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
- What
- The court affirmed the woman’s right to pursue Jain religious initiation and directed that she receive protection from coercion.
- Where
- The case was heard by the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
- When
- The order was issued on September 7.
- Why
- The woman sought protection after relatives allegedly opposed and harassed her decision to become a Jain sadhvi.
Woman’s Autonomy
Family’s Opposition
Choice of religious life
Woman’s Autonomy
The woman says she has chosen to follow the Shvetambara Jain faith, take initiation and become a sadhvi.
Family’s Opposition
Her parents and relatives opposed the decision and allegedly harassed her.
Protection from interference
Woman’s Autonomy
She sought police protection so she could make and follow her decision without coercion.
Family’s Opposition
The court acknowledged equal sympathy for the woman and her parents, but said opposition cannot legally obstruct an adult’s choices.
Key facts
- Court
- Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore bench
- Judge
- Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt
- Woman’s age
- 20 years
- Religious path
- Shvetambara Jain faith and initiation as a sadhvi
- Request
- Immediate police protection
- Court’s basis
- Adults over 18 can make their own life and religious choices
- Police direction
- Authorities must take immediate action if she reports coercion or obstruction
Quotes
Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt
Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore bench
“... but law provides that petitioner being a major (aged more than 18 years) and citizen of India is entitled to get protection of her family rights and other legal rights and for any obstruction caused by anybody, the same cannot be permitted in the eye of law.”
thehansindia.com
“I have considered the submissions made at the bar. It seems that the petitioner who is aged 20 years, citizen of India, is entitled to follow the religion or practice of religion as per her own way and to live her life as per her will.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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