Suresh And Another v. State Of Punjab And Others

In the High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh CRWP-5631-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision:-14.05.2026 Suresh and another ... Petitioners

Versus

State of Punjab and others ... Respondents

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUBHAS MEHLA Present:- Mr. Vishneet Singh Kathpal, Advocate for the petitioners. ***** SUBHAS MEHLA , J. (Oral) 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 protect the lives and liberty of the petitioners at the hands of private respondents on account of the fact that the petitioners have started residing together in livein-relationship. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioners contended that the petitioners are major and are residing together in a live-in relationship, but they apprehend threat to their life and liberty from the private respondents. While drawing the attention of this Court to representation dated 08.05.2026 (Annexure P-3), learned counsel has submitted that the matter was reported to respondent No.2 - Senior Superintendent of Police, District Fazilka, seeking police protection, however, it went in vain. Learned counsel further submitted that the petitioners would be satisfied if directions are issued to respondent No.2, to look into the aforesaid representation and take appropriate steps at the earliest. 3.

Notice of motion.

GEETA RANI 2026.05.18 17:42 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment Punjab & Haryana High Court at Chandigarh

CRWP-5631-2026 (O&M) ( 2 ) 4.

Mr. Anup Singh, AAG, Punjab, accepted notice on behalf of the official respondents and submitted that the competent authority will take action in accordance with law.

5.

Heard.

6.

Since, there is no authentic documents as regards the age of petitioner No.2-Pooja except Aadhar Card, who is stated to be 18 years & 8 months of age, which is a border line case, thus, faced with this situation, the petitioners are directed to approach the Nodal Officer concerned as per notification issued by State of Punjab vide its notification dated 23.01.2025 whereby SOP was issued by State for protection of lives and liberty of similarly situated couple. Nodal Officer concerned is directed to proceed further in accordance with law and as per direction of this Court as held in CRWP No.4660 of 2021 titled as "Yash Pal and another vs. State of Haryana and others", decided on 09.09.

2024 whereby the protection was granted, qua the life and liberty of adults, who were in a live-in relationship, in order to protect them from threats arising from moral vigilants or from close relative of any of them, subject to verification of age of petitioner No.2, as this Court is not satisfied with the documents i.e. Aadhar Card regarding age of petitioner No.2. The fundamental right to life and liberty is so sacrosanct and stands at such a high pedestal that it must be protected even in the absence of an incident like solemnization of a valid marriage between the parties. However, it is made clear that if the petitioners commit any offence against the State or any person, this order shall not create any embargo or impediment to take appropriate action in accordance with law.

7.

In view of the above, present petition is disposed of. ( SUBHAS MEHLA ) 14.05.2026 JUDGE Geeta Whether speaking /reasoned Yes / No Whether Reportable Yes / No GEETA RANI 2026.05.18 17:42 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment Punjab & Haryana High Court at Chandigarh