In a significant decision, the Allahabad High Court has granted relief to four men entangled in kidnapping cases filed by their wives’ families after eloping for marriage. Justice Rahul Chaturvedi, presiding over the case, emphasized the prior mutual consent and romantic relationships between the couples involved.

The court noted that the couples, having attained the age of majority, had legally married and registered their marriages. Presently, all four couples were reported to be living happily as married partners, having even welcomed children into their families.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Chaturvedi highlighted the dilemma faced by the court, balancing legal requirements with the marital lives of the couples and their children. Acknowledging the intricacies of the situation, the court emphasized the importance of considering the broader principles of justice, fairness, and societal order.

The court underscored the limitations of law in controlling genuine love between individuals, particularly when it involves adolescents or young adults. It emphasized the need for a nuanced approach, recognizing the profound impact of legal decisions on the lives and happiness of families.

Consequently, exercising its extraordinary power under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the High Court quashed the entire criminal proceedings against the husbands.