Ritu Rani And ANR v. State Of Punjab And ORS

-1IN THE PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT AT CHANDIGARH.

Date of Decision: 21.04.2026.

RITU RANI AND OTHERS ... Petitioner(s)

Versus

STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS ... Respondent(s) CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VINOD S. BHARDWAJ.

Present:

Mr. Fariad Singh Virk, Advocate, for the petitioners.

VINOD S. BHARDWAJ, J. (ORAL) The petitioner No.1 namely Ritu Rani, aged 21 years and petitioner No.2 - Lxxx (minor) whose date of birth is 02.08.2009, aged about 17 years and 09 months as well as petitioners No.3 to 5 i.e. the parents and brother of petitioner No.2 have approached this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for seeking protection of their life and personal liberty from private respondents No.5 to 8.

Learned counsel for the petitioners inter alia contends that the petitioners No.1 and 2 are staying together in the residence of parents of

-2petitioner No.2. However, this arrangement is not acceptable to the private respondents and as a result, thereof, the private respondents are threatening the petitioners. A representation dated 06.04.2026 (Annexure P-3) against the threat extended at the hands of the private respondents already stands submitted by the petitioners to the Senior Superintendent of Police, District S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab.

The petitioners apprehend threat to their lives and claim that there is a constant danger of them being implicated in a false case. Notice of motion restricted to respondents No.1 to 4 only. Pursuant to supply of advance copy, Mr. Mohit Kapoor, Sr. DAG, Punjab, who is present in the Court, accepts notice on behalf of respondents No.1 to 4.

Learned State counsel has no objection if appropriate direction for providing requisite protection to the petitioners is given. As such, the petition is disposed of with directions to respondent No.4-Station House Officer, Police Station Kharar, District S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, to look into the grievances of the petitioners as set out in the petition and also expressed in the representation dated 06.04.2026 (Annexure P-3) and take appropriate action for protection of their lives and liberty as may be warranted by the circumstances.

However, it is clarified that in case any criminal case has been/is registered against the petitioners nothing in this order shall be construed as a bar for taking appropriate action by the police authorities in respect thereof in accordance with law.

-3The Registry is directed to send a copy of this order along with copy of the petition and above-said representation to respondent No.4-Station House Officer, Police Station Kharar, District S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, for requisite compliance.

The petition is disposed of.

April 21, 2026.

(VINOD S. BHARDWAJ) raj arora JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No