Orissa High Court: Forced Marriage Harms Women’s Mental Health

The Orissa High Court has ruled that a woman forced into marriage has the absolute right to live independently. The court stressed that forced marriage mental health consequences can be serious and long-lasting, and that a woman’s consent is non-negotiable. The ruling reinforces autonomy, emotional safety, and psychological well-being, key pillars of women’s health.
The case was heard in Cuttack, where the court firmly stated that parental or societal pressure cannot override an adult woman’s choice.

Forced Marriage Is a Health and Human Rights Issue

While deciding a habeas corpus petition filed by the woman’s father, the court made an important observation: forcing a woman into marriage is harmful not only socially, but also to her mental and emotional health. The judges emphasised that such coercion often leads to distress, anxiety, and long-term psychological trauma issues, increasingly recognised in public health discussions around forced marriage and mental health.

The woman, aged 21, had left her parental home after being married against her will. She clearly stated that she did so voluntarily and did not want to live with either her husband or her parents.

Court Interaction Confirms Woman’s Capacity and Choice

During proceedings, police informed the court that the woman was living in another state and working with a private company. She was later produced before the bench with full security from Kakatpur police station in Puri district.

The division bench, led by Harish Tandon and M S Raman, personally interacted with her. She confirmed that:

She is a legal adult
She is financially independent
She is capable of earning her livelihood
She does not consent to the marriage

From a health perspective, the court noted that respecting such clarity is essential to prevent emotional harm and preserve psychological stability

Consent Is Central to a Healthy Society

The bench observed that society must introspect and move away from traditions that ignore a woman’s autonomy. It clearly stated that marriage without consent, especially using force, is not conducive to a healthy society.
Importantly, the court called on the administration to conduct sensitisation programs. Such efforts, it said, are crucial to stop parents from imposing life-altering decisions on their children, decisions that can negatively affect mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
This acknowledgement further strengthens the understanding that forced marriage mental health risks are real and demand systemic prevention.

Police Directed to Protect Woman’s Safety and Independence

Since the woman was physically present before the court and expressed her wishes clearly, the judges ruled that continuing the petition served no purpose. The case was formally closed.

However, the court issued clear directions:

Police must ensure her safe return to the place she chooses to live
No interference is allowed from parents or the “so-called husband”
Immediate action must be taken if any threat or incident is reported

These measures reflect a trauma-informed approach, recognising that safety and freedom are essential for recovery and long-term mental health.

Conclusion

This ruling goes beyond legal rights. It reinforces that women’s autonomy is directly linked to mental and emotional health. Forced marriages can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation, outcomes that healthcare professionals increasingly see in clinical practice.
By prioritising consent and independence, the court has set a precedent that supports both women’s rights and preventive mental healthcare, making this decision a landmark moment in addressing forced marriage and mental health in India.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.