Observing that "the identity and autonomy of an adult woman are not defined by her relationships or familial obligations", the Punjab & Haryana High Court has rejected the habeas corpus plea of a father who sought custody of his 30-year-old daughter, allegedly for sending her back to her matrimonial home.Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul said, "the Constitution safeguards her right to …
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court held that under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956, it is not mandatory for a widowed daughter-in-law to reside in her matrimonial home to claim maintenance from her father-in-law. “Merely because the lady may have made that choice may neither lead us to the conclusion that she had separated from her …
Observing that a woman's suicide in matrimonial home in itself does not make her in-laws and husband liable for harassment and abetment to commit suicide, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has upheld the acquittal of accused in a 2002 abetment to suicide case. The prosecution is obliged to prove and lead sufficient evidence capable of suggesting that the accused …
