New Delhi, April 28 -- In recent weeks, we have witnessed a series of judicial pronouncements that reflect deeply ingrained social attitudes towards women's choices. The Allahabad high court denied police protection to a consenting interfaith couple that had married against their families' wishes. In a separate case of rape, the same court made such insensitive remarks that the Supreme Court was compelled to intervene.

These point to a larger issue: the law in India too often mirrors society's prejudices, rather than upholding constitutional ideals of equality and autonomy. Whether in the courtroom or the community, the agency of women continues to be questioned, regulated and restricted.

The Allahabad high court's refusal to grant poli...