Kerala High Court comes to the aid of lesbian couple forcefully separated by parents

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday reunited a lesbian couple who had been forcefully separated by their parents and family members [Adhila v Commissioner of Police & Ors.]..A Division Bench of Justices K Vinod Chandran and C Jayachandran allowed a Habeas Corpus petition moved by one Adhila after her partner, Fathima as forcefully taken away by her parents. The bench after hearing Fathima, allowed her to leave with Adhila. "We are of the opinion that the petitioner (Adhila) and the daughter of respondents 4 & 5 (Fathima) should be left to live their lives as per their informed choice. We direct that the couple, as per their wish, be taken back to the Safe Home now. They intend to join the employment as offered in Ext.P3 series. We find no reason to hold them back," the Court said in its order..Adhila and Fathima, whose relationship started while they were in 11th standard in Saudi Arabia, have been together for over four years.However, they faced strong opposition from both families who were often verbally and physically abusive towards their children in their attempts to end the relationship. Recently, the couple decided to move to Chennai after both of them secured jobs in the metro. However, unable to tolerate the abuse from their families any longer, the couple took shelter at Vanaja Collective, an organisation which works for the welfare of marginalised groups. The case garnered attention when Adhila posted a video on Facebook after her partner was once again separated from her and isolated at her parents' house. As she was incommunicado, except for a single phone call where Fathima alluded to possibly being subjected to illegal conversion therapy, Adhila lodged a complaint with the police and later filed the present Habeas Corpus petition at the High Court, through advocate Aneesh KR. .Even before the petition was moved, the Court had taken note of the incident as it had been reported in the media. It had also directed the Government Pleader to get instructions and was contemplating initiating a suo motu petition when Adhila approached the Court. .The Court had ordered the respondents to ensure Fathima's personal appearance before it today. When the case was taken up, Fathima who was present before the bench, did not complain against her parents but categorically expressed her desire to go with Adhila.The Court then acceded to the same and passed an order to that effect. .[Read Order]