Krishna Rani And Another v. State Of Punjab And Others
2023:PHHC:082602 CRWP-6413-2023
IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT
CHANDIGARH CRWP-6413-2023 Date of Decision: 30.06.2023 Krishna Rani and another
...Petitioners
Versus
State of Punjab and others
...Respondents
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARSH BUNGER Present :
Ms. Anupama, Advocate for the petitioners.
HARSH BUNGER, J. (ORAL) 1.
By way of this petition, the petitioners seek protection of their lives and personal liberties on the plea that they have not solemnized their marriage so far and are living in the live-in relationship and are under eminent threats at the hands of respondents No.4 to 11. 2.
It is submitted that the date of birth of petitioner No.1 is 18.07.1995, whereas, the date of birth of petitioner No.2 is 24.11.2003. It is further submitted that petitioner No.1 is married with respondent No.8Mangat Singh. 3.
In the context of threat perception at the hands of private respondents No.4 to 11, petitioners have allegedly moved representation dated 23.06.2023 (Annexure P-3) to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Fazilka, Punjab and to Station House Officer, Police Station Thana Sadar, Fazilka, wherein, the apprehension to their lives has been expressed, however, it is stated that no action has been taken. 4.
Notice of motion at this stage only to the official respondents i.e. respondents No.1 to 3 is being issued.
5.
Advance copy of the paper book has already been supplied to learned State counsel by the learned counsel for the petitioners. On asking of the Court, Mr. Mohit Thakur, AAG, Punjab, who is present in the Court, accepts notice on behalf of State/respondents No.1 to 3. HIMANI GUPTA 2023.07.01 15:11 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document/judgment High Court, Chandigarh
2023:PHHC:082602 CRWP-6413-2023 7.
Having heard learned counsel for the petitioners, as also the learned State counsel, I am of the considered view that every citizen is entitled to protection/enforcement of fundamental rights as envisaged under Constitution of India. It is the bounden duty of the State to protect the life & liberty of every citizen as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Right to human life is to be treated on much higher pedestal, regardless of a citizen being minor or a major. 8.
Since the petitioners are seeking protection qua their lives and personal liberties, therefore, it would be appropriate to direct respondent No.2- Senior Superintendent of Police, Fazilka, Punjab to verify the contents of the petition and/or representation, qua the threat perception of the petitioners and take necessary action, if required. 9.
It is clarified that this order shall neither be treated as a stamp of this Court qua the status of the parties on the basis of their alleged live-in relationship nor any reflection on the merits of the contentions raised by them in the present petition.
10.
This order shall also not be taken to protect the petitioners from legal action for violation of law, if any, committed by them and will have no effect on any civil or criminal action, which could be initiated in the matter in accordance with law.
11.
The writ petition is, accordingly, disposed of. June 30, 2023 (HARSH BUNGER) Himani JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned:
Yes/No Whether reportable:
Yes/No HIMANI GUPTA 2023.07.01 15:11 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document/judgment High Court, Chandigarh