17/09/2026
Important Decision
🏛️ Adults can choose their and of their choice
On September 16, 2026, the Allahabad High Court held in Ayush Malik & Another v. State of U.P. & 3 Others, Habeas Corpus Writ Petition No. 1307 of 2026, that adults have the right to make important decisions about their lives.
The Court held that—
🔹 An adult can choose a religion according to their conscience.
🔹 The right to choose a life partner of their choice is part of personal autonomy.
🔹 Mere disagreement of family members cannot be a basis for terminating such a choice.
🔹 Freedom of religion enjoys constitutional protection under Article 25 and life and personal liberty under Article 21.
The Court personally spoke with the 31-year-old man. Given her assertion that her choices and decisions were made voluntarily, and the absence of sufficient evidence to the contrary, the Court found no valid basis for continuing to restrict her personal liberty.
The Court granted her the freedom to live in a place of her choice and with the person of her choice, to practice the religion of her choice, and to make decisions regarding her marital relationship in accordance with the law.
📌 Case: Ayush Malik & Another v. State of U.P. & 3 Others
📌 Case No.: Habeas Corpus Writ Petition No. 1307 of 2026
📌 Judge: Justice Sandeep Jain
📌 Judgment: September 16, 2026
Message:
Respect for the free will, personal autonomy, and constitutional rights of an adult is an important part of the rule of law.
