Apoorva Kanaujia v. NCT Of Delhi And ORS
$~21 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(CRL) 1930/2025 APOORVA KANAUJIA .....Petitioner Through:
Mr. Rashid Azam, Adv. along with petitioner in person.
versus NCT OF DELHI AND ORS .....Respondents Through:
Mr. Anand V Khatri, ASC with SI Vinod Kumar, PS-Fatehpur Beri.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAVINDER DUDEJA
O R D E R
% 02.07.2025 1.
This is a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the following reliefs:- a. A writ of Mandamus directing the respondent No. l to ensure the enforcement of the petitioner's right to education, career, and personal freedom as guaranteed under Articles 21, 21-A, and 19( l )(g) of the Constitution of India.
b. A writ of Prohibition restraining the respondent No 2&3 and her family from taking any action that violates her fundamental rights, especially her freedom to pursue education and career. c. A direction to the respondents to ensure that the petitioner is protected from any further societal or familial pressure to get married against her will, and to guarantee her right to pursue her educational and career goals.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above.
d. Any other writ, order, or direction as this Hon ' ble Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case. 2.
The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that petitioner is a 25 year old woman from Uttar Pradesh. She has completed her M.Com (Masters in Commerce). There has been persistent pressure for marriage from her family members which has been severely impacting her ability to focus on her academic and professional goals. Due to the mental trauma caused by her family demand, the petitioner was forced to relocate in Delhi to escape emotional distress and secured a rented flat and joined a job to sustain herself. However, she is facing persistent threat and pressure from her family to abandon her career, aspirations and marry. 3.
He further submits that before leaving Lucknow, petitioner had informed her parents by dropping a letter and an affidavit stating her desire to study further and that she should not be pressured to get married at this moment.
4.
The learned counsel states that his limited prayer is that petitioner be provided protection against anticipated threats from her family members 5.
The learned ASC appearing for the respondent no.1 states that he has no objection in case the orders be passed for the protection of the petitioner. 6.
Petitioner is stated to be major. No one can force her to marry against her will, not even the family members. Equally, she cannot be forced not to pursue her career. It is her fundamental right and this court being the constitutional court is expected to further the fundamental rights of the petitioner.
7.
The State is under a constitutional obligation to provide protection to its citizens. In that view of the matter, the Court directs the State to provide The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above.
protection to the petitioner and ensure that no harm befalls upon the petitioner particularly from her family members. 8.
The SHO of the area where petitioner is residing shall provide the contact details of the beat officers of the area to the petitioner, so that, in case of any need, the petitioner is able to contact the beat officers for any immediate assistance. The SHO shall suitably counsel the beat officers in this regard.
9.
Let the beat officers call upon the petitioner before 6 PM everyday at least for the next two months to ensure that petitioner is unharmed. 10.
The petitioner shall disclose her present address as also the residential address to the SHO who shall not disclose the same to any unauthorized person.
11.
In view of the above, the petition along with pending application, if any, stands disposed of.
RAVINDER DUDEJA, J JULY 2, 2025 Sky/na The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above.