Madhuri Kumari And Another v. Ut Of Chandigarh And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Decided on: 04.05.2026 MADHURI KUMARI AND ANOTHER ......Petitioners

Versus

UT OF CHANDIGARH AND OTHERS ......Respondents

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH

Present:

Mr. Shubham Goyal, Advocate, for the petitioners.

Mr. Sandeep Vashisht, APP, UT, Chandigarh.

**** SANJAY VASHISTH , J.

1.

Prayer in the instant petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, is for issuance of direction to the official respondents to provide protection of lives and liberty to the petitioners, who have married against the wishes of the private respondents. The details, relevant for decision of the present petition, are tabulated as under:- Petitioner No. 1 Petitioner No. 2 Name(s) Madhuri Kumari Vishal Age (in years) 18 years 23 years Date of marriage 18.04.2026 Rite Hindu Represented on 20.04.2026 (Annexure P-5) Submitted to Senior Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh Family members arrayed as Respondent Nos.4 to 7 2.

On 24.04.2026, following order was passed by this Court:-

"i) Prayer in the instant petition, filed under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India, is for issuance of direction to the official respondents to provide protection of lives and liberty to the petitioners, who have married against the wishes of the private respondents.

ii) Since petitioner No. 1, Madhuri Kumari, is only 18 years of age, and three different addressesnamely, in the State of U.P., New Delhi, and Maloya, U.T. Chandigarh-are mentioned in the memo of parties, respondent/UT is directed to verify how and since when petitioner No. 1 has been residing with petitioner No. 2 at the Chandigarh address, mentioned in the memo of parties.

iii) List on 04.05.2026."

3.

Today, learned counsel for UT Chandigarh, submits that as per the inquiry conducted, it is found that for the last one month, both the petitioners are staying together in Maloya, (UT, Chandigarh). 4.

On the other hand, learned counsel for the petitioners submits that the petitioners have solemnized marriage against the wishes of their family members, who are threatening and interfering in the matrimonial life of the petitioners. It is the first marriage of both 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 20.04.2026 (Annexure P-5), to respondent No.2 - Senior Superintendent of Police, UT Chandigarh, wherein, they have expressed their apprehension. 5.

In view of the above, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.2 - Senior Superintendent of Police, UT Chandigarh, to look into the representation dated 20.04.2026 (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.

6.

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.

(SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 04.05.2026 Lavisha Whether Speaking/Reasoned:

YES/NO Whether Reportable:

YES/NO