Payal And ANR v. State Of Punjab And ORS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH 2024:PHHC:038918 CRWP-2540-2024 Date of decision: March 19th, 2024 Payal and another .....Petitioners

Versus

State of Punjab and others .....Respondents

CORAM:

HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANJARI NEHRU KAUL

Present:

Mr. Abdul Aziz, Advocate for the petitioners.

MANJARI NEHRU KAUL , J. (ORAL) Prayer in the instant petition filed under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India is for issuance of directions to respondent No.2, to protect the life and liberty of the petitioners at the hands of private respondents No.4 to 7, who are averse to their live-in relationship.

2.

Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that petitioner No.1, who is stated to be 18 years of age, has been in a live-in relationship with petitioner No.2 since January, 2024. He submits that the petitioners are being continuously threatened with dire consequences by the private respondents, who are not ready to accept their live-in relationship. Hence, there is a genuine apprehension of the life of the petitioners being in peril. Resultantly, a representation dated 08.03.2024 (Annexure P-4) was also made to respondent No.2Senior Superintendent of Police, Ludhiana, for protection of their life and liberty but in vain. Learned counsel submits that the petitioners would be satisfied if directions are issued to respondent No.2PUNEET SACHDEVA 2024.03.19 15:59 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh

CRWP-2540-2024 -2Senior Superintendent of Police, Ludhiana, to look into their representation (Annexure P-4) and take appropriate steps at the earliest. 3.

Notice of motion to official respondents only. 4.

On asking of the Court, Mr. Amit Rana, Senior Deputy Advocate General, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the official respondents.

5.

In view of the above, the present petition is disposed of with directions to respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, Ludhiana, to look into the representation dated 08.03.2024 (Annexure P-4) qua the alleged threat perception and take necessary steps, as may be required, in accordance with law, to ensure that the life and liberty of the petitioners is not jeopardized at the hands of the private respondents. However, this direction will have no effect on any civil or criminal action, which could be initiated in the matter in accordance with law.

March 19th, 2024 (MANJARI NEHRU KAUL) Puneet JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes Whether reportable :

No PUNEET SACHDEVA 2024.03.19 15:59 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh