Same-Sex Relationship: HC directs Cops to produce Woman confined by Parents

The case of forced separation of 2 women in a live-in relationship has taken a decisive turn with the High Court of Orissa being informed that the woman in the custody of her mother & uncle in Bari of Jajpur district wants to stay with her same-sex partner. 

On Monday, taking serious note of it, the HC directed police to produce the ‘victim woman’ before it. The division bench of Justices SK Mishra & Savitri Ratho said, “We further direct that the Superintendent of Police, Jajpur shall secure the attendance of the victim-woman who is at present with mother & uncle & link with the Court through video conferencing at 11.00 am on Aug 17.”

The HC was hearing the petition of the 24-year-old woman who approached the Court with the grievance that her partner has been forcibly taken away by her mother & uncle. The family members of her partner are going to forcibly arrange her marriage with someone else, she had said while seeking the Court’s intervention.

The Court on July 28 directed the Jajpur SP to ascertain wishes of the victim woman, whether she wants to stay with her partner or not.When the matter came up on Monday, the court was informed by the State Govt counsel that the SP has reported that the woman in custody wants to stay with her partner.

Lawyers Clara D’Souza & S Soren appeared on behalf of the petitioner woman. 

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