Pooja Rani And ANR. v. State Of Punjab And ORS.

2024:PHHC:047007

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRWP-2996-2024 Date of Decision: 08.04.2024 POOJA RANI AND ANR

...Petitioners

Versus

STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS

...Respondents

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ALOK JAIN Present:- Mr. Aman Kumar, Advocate for the petitioners. Mr. Siddharth Attri, AAG, Punjab.

***** ALOK JAIN, J. (Oral) 1.

The present petition has been filed under Article(s) 226/227 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the official respondents to protect the life and liberty of the petitioners, who got married on 21.03.2024 (Annexure P-4) at the hands of private respondents.

2.

Notice of motion to the official respondents. 3.

Mr. Siddharth Attri, AAG, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the official respondents.

4.

Considering the nature of the order being passed, there is no necessity to serve the private respondent(s) or to seek a reply from any one of the respondents.

5.

The petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.2 to take into consideration the request of the petitioners made vide representation dated 28.03.2024 (Annexure P-5) and take appropriate action, in accordance with law.

6.

This petition is being considered only for the purpose of protection of life and liberty of the petitioners and the filing, pendency or the PARUL 2024.04.08 17:19 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document

CRWP-2996-2024 -2- 2024:PHHC:047007 orders passed by this Court in this petition shall neither be construed as any stamp of the Court qua the relationship/marriage of the petitioners nor shall be relied upon by any authority in any proceedings initiated against them under any other provision of law.

7.

This order shall not operate as an alibi or defence to any proceedings which might be pending or may arise against the petitioners. Although, the State is duty bound to protect its citizens and only with the said motive, the present order/directions have been passed. 8.

It is made clear to the petitioners that, in case, any averment made in this petition or in the representation dated 28.03.2024 (Annexure P-5) is found to be incorrect, the State authorities are directed to take appropriate action, in accordance with law.

9.

However, since this petition is being disposed of in limine, therefore, copy of the complete paper book be sent through registered post to respondent Nos.4 and 5 as there is serious doubt with regard to their being even aware of the act and conduct of petitioner No.1. 10.

It is also made clear that, in case, there is any criminal record of the petitioners, the present order shall not be an alibi or an impediment against the authorities to proceed in accordance with law and the above order is subject to cross verification of the credentials of the petitioners and cogent proof to be submitted by the petitioners before the authorities considering their representation.

(ALOK JAIN) April 08, 2024 JUDGE Parul Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No PARUL 2024.04.08 17:19 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document