High court does not allow minor to live with boyfriend

Herald Globe (IANS) Friday 10th February, 2012

The Delhi High Court Friday denied permission to a Class 9 girl to live with her boyfriend, a student of Class 12 of the school she was in, and handed over her custody to her parents.

The girl from a private school in Paschim Vihar had moved the court seeking approval to remain with her boyfriend and his family, who had expressed desire to take custody of the girl.

Justice Mukta Gupta, hearing the case in her chamber, refused the girl's demand to let her live with her boyfriend. The court directed the girl's parents not to mistreat her, and in view of her annual examination in March this year, granted her custody to her parents.

The girl alleged that after she was supended from the school she was being tortured by the parents.

The girl claimed that she and her boyfriend were suspended by their school after they were found talking to each other in recess on Nov 1 last year. She alleged that after her suspension from the school, she was beaten mercilessly by her parents and in a state of depression she eloped with her boyfriend on Nov 17.

An NGO, through which the couple approached the court, said: "The girl should be allowed to live with her boyfriend and his family (who are also ready to take the girl with them) as she fears she may be again mercilessly beaten or even killed in the name of honour, if her custody is given to her parents."

Besides seeking the court's direction to live with her boyfriend, the girl in her petition also sought quashing of an FIR lodged by her parents against the boy and a direction to the school to allow them to complete their studies.

The girl had refused to go with her parents as she feared she may again be mercilessly beaten up by them.

The parents of both the children were present in the court. The court posted the matter for March 29.