Goa, Aug. 14 -- The Delhi High Court has reaffirmed that an individual's decision to marry a partner of their choice, even from a different faith, is protected under the fundamental right to life and personal liberty. The observation came while hearing a plea filed by a 26-year-old Muslim man and a 25-year-old Hindu woman, who alleged harassment and forced separation by authorities.

The couple, in a relationship for over seven years, said they had solemnised their marriage but faced strong opposition from the woman's family. Despite writing to the Deputy Commissioner of Police on July 23 seeking protection, the woman was allegedly separated from her husband by police the following day and detained at a state-run shelter home.

Hearing th...