Woman Held Under House Arrest for Nine Months Over Love Affair Achieves Union Through Court Intervention

Kottayam: In a significant ruling, the Kanjirappally Magistrate Court in Kottayam has granted a favorable verdict to a young man who sought judicial intervention after his partner of over ten years was allegedly held captive by her family due to religious and caste differences. After months of legal arguments, the woman was produced before the court via a warrant issued under Section 100 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Ultimately, the woman, aged 30, chose to reunite with her lover, bringing a dramatic conclusion to her nine-month ordeal of house arrest.

The legal proceedings commenced in early October when the young man approached the Kanjirappally Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Niyatha, seeking the court’s assistance against the alleged illegal confinement of his girlfriend on religious grounds. This petition, filed by Advocates Shamon Shaji and Vivek Mathew Varkey under Section 100 of the BNS, was akin to a Habeas Corpus petition filed in the High Court.

The couple, both 30 years old, had been in a loving relationship for over a decade. The young man belonged to the Hindu faith, while the woman was a Christian. Their relationship faced strong opposition from the woman’s family due to their differing religious backgrounds.

According to the young man’s complaint, once her family discovered the affair, the woman had been confined to her home since February. A month prior to approaching the court, the young man, accompanied by a panchayat member, visited the woman’s family to discuss a registered marriage. The family initially promised to facilitate the marriage, leading the young man to return. However, instead of upholding their word, the family allegedly intensified the woman’s confinement, pushing her to attempt suicide. It was this desperate situation that prompted the young man to seek redress from the Magistrate Court.

Initially, the court directed the Manimala police to record the woman’s statement. The police summoned the woman and her parents to the station, where she reportedly stated her preference to stay with her parents. This statement was subsequently submitted to the court.

However, dramatic events unfolded when the case was reconsidered in court last morning. The young man informed the court that the woman had been moved from her original home to another location for continued confinement. During this period, the woman managed to secretly contact the young man’s friend, informing him that she had left a note behind the house and pleaded with him to ensure it reached the court.

Following her desperate plea, the young man’s friend successfully delivered the crucial note to the court. Upon reviewing the note, the court immediately ordered the woman to be produced. A police team executed the warrant and brought the woman before the magistrate. In a final emotional turn, the court allowed her to go with her lover, respecting her expressed will and bringing an end to her prolonged house arrest.