Bombay High Court Nagpur Bench Orders Reunion of Inter-Caste Couple After Woman Alleges Family Confinement

A woman who entered into an inter-caste marriage was allegedly confined at her home and subjected to physical and psychological harassment by her family members. The situation changed after the intervention of the Bombay High Court Nagpur Bench, which ordered that she be produced before the court. Following the hearing, the couple was reunited, highlighting that the consent of two adults is paramount in matters of marriage. Pawan from Balapur in Akola district and Poonam from Chikhli in Buldhana district (both names changed) solemnised their marriage on January 16, 2026, at the Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple according to Hindu rituals.

After their wedding, the couple registered their marriage with the Chandravila Trust and stayed in Akola for a few days before leaving for northern India. Meanwhile, on January 31, 2026, Poonam’s father lodged a complaint at the Civil Lines Police Station regarding the matter. Later, he contacted his daughter and assured her that he would formally arrange her marriage with Pawan, persuading the couple to return to Akola. However, once they arrived, he allegedly went back on his promise. Poonam was reportedly taken forcibly to her home and kept confined, while Pawan was warned to forget about her or face serious consequences.

Pawan subsequently approached the police station and lodged a complaint regarding the incident, but he alleged that no action was taken. With no other option left, he filed a petition before the Bombay High Court seeking intervention. The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Anil Pansare and Justice Nivedita Mehta, which directed the police to produce Poonam before the court. On March 10, the police presented her before the bench, where she stated that she had married Pawan of her own free will and expressed her desire to live with him.

After recording her statement, the court permitted Poonam to leave with Pawan, effectively reuniting the couple. Advocate Ganesh Mate represented Pawan during the proceedings. According to case details, Pawan works as a manager in a medical company, while Poonam is employed at a medical store. The two first became friends in 2022, and their friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship. However, Poonam belongs to a higher caste, and her family opposed the relationship, prompting the couple to elope and marry.