The Allahabad High Court has taken a firm stand to uphold the constitutional rights of adults choosing their life partners, stating that “honour killing cannot be ruled out” in the case of Priya Solanki and her husband Peeyush Gupta. The bench strictly warned the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Bulandshahr, that he would be personally answerable if any harm befell the couple.
The couple approached the High Court after Priya's father filed an FIR against her husband under Section 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to kidnapping or inducing a woman to marry. The woman, 23 years old, had married Peeyush at an Arya Samaj temple in Prayagraj of her own free will.
“The social norms may dictate otherwise, but the Constitution grants them the freedom by virtue of Article 21 and the entire gamut of liberty guaranteed to an adult,”
— Allahabad High Court
The Court observed that both Priya and Peeyush are legal adults, and their choice to live together is protected under the Constitution. It was termed "surprising" by the bench that despite this, the police went ahead with the FIR and investigation.
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The couple claimed they were receiving death threats from Priya’s father and family. Given the seriousness of the situation, the court restrained the family members from contacting or harassing the couple — directly, indirectly, through social media, or by any other means. The bench stayed the arrest of both petitioners and issued a notice to the respondents to file their reply within three weeks.
“If any harm comes to the petitioners, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Bulandshahr, shall be personally answerable to this Court,”
— Allahabad High Court Order
The court directed that a copy of the order be sent to the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bulandshahr, for immediate compliance within 24 hours, ensuring that the police and administration act responsibly and protect the life and liberty of the couple.
Case Title: Priya Solanki And Another vs. State Of U.P. And 3 Others
Order Date: 2nd June 2025
Bench: Justice J.J. Munir and Justice Anil Kumar-X
