According to police, the two women—identified as Kajal (23) and Rani (21), names changed—went missing from their respective homes on January 12. Family members from both sides approached the Civil Lines police station, alleging that the women had disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
During the search, police traced the pair on January 14 and brought them to the station for questioning. During interrogation, Kajal told officers that she and Rani had been in a consensual romantic relationship for the past five years. She said they decided to formalise their relationship and performed a marriage ceremony at Bageshwar Dham earlier this week.
Police officials confirmed that both women are adults and stated that they had clearly expressed their wish to live together. “They have stated on record that they took the decision voluntarily. No coercion has been reported by either of them,” a senior police officer said, adding that all legal aspects of the case are being examined.
The situation escalated when members of both families arrived at the police station and began arguing over the relationship. Eyewitnesses said the confrontation turned chaotic, with emotional exchanges and allegations being levelled by family members from both sides. At one point, a family member allegedly forcefully took one of the women away from the station, prompting intervention by police personnel.
Despite the women’s stated consent, police eventually handed them over to their families, citing procedural and safety considerations. Officials said further action would depend on any formal complaints or legal petitions filed by either party.
The case has sparked debate locally, as same-sex marriage is not legally recognised in India, though consensual same-sex relationships are no longer criminalised following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decriminalisation of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. Legal experts note that while adults have the right to choose their partners, the absence of a legal framework for same-sex marriage often leaves couples vulnerable to familial and social pressure.
Police said they are maintaining contact with both families to prevent any breach of peace and ensure the safety of the women involved. No case has been registered so far.
