Jasmine Bhateja And ANR v. State Of Punjab And ORS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Decided on : 31.05.2023 Jasmine Bhateja and another . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab and others . . . Respondent(s) CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH PRESENT: Mr. Karandeep Singh, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

Mr. Anmol Singh Sandhu, AAG, Punjab.

Mr. Vikas Garg, Advocate for respondents No.4 to 6.

**** SANJAY VASHISTH , J. (Oral) 1.

After hearing counsel for the petitioners, on 22.05.2023, following order was passed:- "Present:

Mr. Karandeep Singh, Advocate for the petitioners. *** 1.

Petitioners, namely, Jasmine Bhateja, aged 22 years and Arpit Wadhwa, aged about 21 years have filed the instant petition seeking protection of their lives and liberty, which is stated to be at risk at the hands of private respondents No. 4 to 7.

2.

It is noticed by this Court that all the private respondents are the residents of Khalsa Nagar, Padampur Road, Sri Ganganagar, Tehsil and District Ganganagar, Rajasthan. 3.

At this stage, Mr. Vikas Garg, Advocate appears and files his memorandum of appearance on behalf of respondents No. 4 to 6. Same is taken on record. Registry is directed to tag the same at appropriate place. 4.

He submits that petitioner No. 1 has studied in the State of Rajasthan, thus, petition is required to be filed in the

- 2 - High Court of State of Rajasthan.

5.

However, Counsel for the petitioners submits that petitioners are residing in District Fazilka, Punjab. 6.

Learned State counsel is directed to verify that whether both the petitioners are residents of the same address as shown in the petition or not?

7.

Adjourned to 31.05.2023."

2.

To answer the said query, learned State counsel, on instructions from HC Kuldeep states that both the petitioners have performed their marriage first time, and are presently residing at the address given by them in the petition i.e. H.No. 1947, Street No.13-14, Near Durga Mandir, Sukhera Basti, Abohar, Tehsil Abohar, District Fazilka, Punjab, and in this regard, required preliminary inquiry has already been conducted by the District Police.

3.

Counsel for the petitioners submits that private respondents No.4 to 7 are threatening to interfere in the matrimonial life of the petitioners. Hence, the petitioners are seeking protection in that regard and have approached this Court by way of filing the instant petition. They have also submitted a representation dated 17.05.2023 (Annexure P-5) to respondent No.2 - Sr. Superintendent of Police, Fazilka, wherein, they have expressed their apprehension.

4.

In view of the above, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.2 - Sr. Superintendent of Police, Fazilka, to look into the representation dated 17.05.2023 (Annexure P-5), qua threat perception, and if there is any substance in it, take necessary steps, in accordance with law, to ensure that the lives and liberty of the petitioners are not jeopardized at the hands of the private respondents. 5.

However, this direction will not validate the marriage said to

- 3 - 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.

(SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE May 31, 2023 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No