In a significant judgement that has evoked strong reactions from many online, the Allahabad High Court has ruled that the right to live with a person of one's choice is intrinsic to the right to life and personal liberty irrespective of religion. The court struck down two earlier judgements, which held that religious conversion “just for the purpose of marriage” was unacceptable. "We hold the judgments in Noor Jahan and Priyanshi as not laying good law," the court said, referring to the earlier decisions.
The move assumes greater significance, coming as it does against the backdrop of recent calls for a love jihad law. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had even citied the previous verdicts while emphasising the need for such a law.
Since then, Twitter has been firmly divided into two camps, those who are rejoicing verdict and those who see it as the precursor to far worse. "Allahabad High Court is always at the helm of protecting the soul of Indian Constitution. Long live Indian Judiciary!!" cheered one user.
"From hauling up Indira Gandhi for electoral malpractice, to reiterating the rights of adults in a democratic nation - the Allahabad High Court more often than not being the constitutional watchdog... waiting for the SC to react to this," read another tweet.
While the supporters seem to far outweigh the critics at present, there were quite naturally a few odd tweets. "Make compulsory registration of all interfaith marriages in special marriage act and in case of forced conversions criminal liability should be there," read one ominous post. Another wondered why the High Court was "so naïve".
Take a look at some of the comments:
