Neha Rani And Another v. State Of Punjab And Others

CRWP-1859-2025 -1IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRWP-1859-2025 Date of Decision: February 24, 2025 Neha Rani and another ......Petitioners

Versus

State of Punjab and others ......Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE RAJESH BHARDWAJ

Present:

Mr.Arshit Goel, Advocate for the petitioners.

........

RAJESH BHARDWAJ, J.(ORAL) 1.

Present petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for directing respondents No.1 to 3 to protect the life and liberty of the petitioners and not to interfere in their peaceful married life from the hands of respondent No.4.

2.

Learned counsel for the petitioners states that both the petitioners are major and have married against the wishes of respondent No.4 and have sought protection to their life and liberty. It is submitted that it is the first marriage of petitioner No.2 whereas it is the second marriage of petitioner No.1 as her first husband had died on 24.10.2023. It is submitted that petitioner No.1 has one daughter from her earlier marriage, who is in her custody now. Both the petitioners apprehend danger from respondents No.4. Their marriage certificate and photographs evidencing their marriage are on record as Annexures P-5 and P-6. Death Certificate of earlier husband of petitioner No.1 is also placed on record as Annexure P-7. The petitioners MEENU 2025.02.25 17:11 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRWP-1859-2025 -2have submitted a representation dated 20.02.2025 (Annexure P-9) to respondent No.2.

3.

Notice of motion to respondents No.1 to 3-State only. 4.

On asking of the Court, Mr.Tarun Aggarwal, Sr.DAG, Punjab, who is present in Court, accepts notice on behalf of the respondents/State. 5.

Without entering upon an exercise to evaluate the evidentiary value of the documents placed on the file, I dispose of the petition with a direction to respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, Police District Patiala, to decide the representation (Annexure P-9) of the petitioners and grant them protection, if any threat to their life and liberty is perceived. It is clarified that this order shall not be taken to grant immunity to the petitioners from legal action for violation of law, if any, committed by them. This order would not be understood having expressed any opinion whatsoever by this Court on the validity of the marriage of the petitioners. February 24, 2025 ( RAJESH BHARDWAJ ) meenuss JUDGE 1.

Whether speaking/reasoned ?

Yes/No 2.

Whether reportable ?

Yes/No MEENU 2025.02.25 17:11 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document