Sarika Katal And Another v. State Of Punjab And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRWP-3663-2025 Date of decision: April 21st, 2025 Sarika Katal and another .....Petitioners

Versus

State of Punjab and others .....Respondents

CORAM:

HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANJARI NEHRU KAUL

Present:

Mr. Angad Parmar, Advocate for the petitioners.

MANJARI NEHRU KAUL , J. (ORAL) Prayer in the instant petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is for issuance of directions to respondents No.1 to 3, to protect the life and liberty of the petitioners, who apprehend threat to their life at the hands of private respondents No.4 to 6. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that the petitioners got married on 04.04.2025, against the wishes of family members of petitioner No.1, arrayed as respondents No.4 to 6. Ever since then, the petitioners are being threatened with dire consequences by the private respondents. Resultantly, a representation dated 06.04.2025 (Annexure P-5) was also made to respondent No.2Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar (Rural), 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.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar (Rural), to look into their representation (Annexure P-5) and take appropriate steps at the earliest.

PUNEET SACHDEVA 2025.04.21 15:03 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh

CRWP-3663-2025 -23.

Notice of motion to official respondents only. 4.

On the asking of the Court, Mr. Kunwarbir Singh, Assistant Advocate General, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the official respondents.

5.

In view of the above, the present petition is disposed of with a directions to respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar (Rural), to look into the representation dated 06.04.2025 (Annexure P-5) 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 not validate the marriage said to have taken place between the parties and will have no effect on any civil or criminal action, which could be initiated in the matter in accordance with law.

April 21st, 2025 (MANJARI NEHRU KAUL) Puneet JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No PUNEET SACHDEVA 2025.04.21 15:03 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh