Satnam Singh And Another v. State Of Punjab And Others

-1IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH (111) Date of Decision:-17.08.2023 Satnam Singh and another

...Petitioners

Versus

State of Punjab and others ......Respondents

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ALOK JAIN

Present:

Mr. L.S. Lakhanpal, Advocate for the petitioners. Mr. P.S. Grewal, DAG, Punjab.

**** ALOK JAIN, J. (Oral) 1.

The present petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking protection of the lives and personal liberty of the petitioners. Petitioners are in a live-in relationship and they fear for their life and liberty at the hands of private respondents. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that, in fact, the divorce proceedings of petitioner No.1 are already underway and the matter was fixed for 11.08.2023 for recording the statements of second motion, however, due to some technical difficulty qua the custody of the children, the issue was to be decided, and hence the matter has been adjourned to 30.09.2023 before the trial Court.

3.

Notice of motion to respondents No.1 to 3.

-24.

On asking of the Court, Mr. P.S. Grewal, DAG, Punjab, who is present in the Court, accepts notice on behalf of State/respondents No.1 to 3.

5.

Considering the nature of the order being passed, there is no necessity to serve the private respondents or to seek a reply from any one of the respondents.

6.

The petitioners are major as is evident from their documents Annexure P-1 and P-2 and as such they are at liberty to lead their lives according to their volition and the private respondents No.4 to 7 have no right to interfere therein.

7.

In view of the above and without commenting upon the relationship of the petitioners, I deem it appropriate to direct respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural), Jalandhar, District Jalandhar, to ensure that life and liberty of the petitioners is protected by providing them adequate protection after carrying out a threat assessment and as and when deemed appropriate. The representation dated 03.08.2023 (Annexure P-3) already made as well as the facts mentioned in this petition shall be kept in mind by him.

8.

Accordingly, the present petition stands disposed of. 9.

This petition is being considered only for the purpose of protection of life and liberty of the petitioners and the filing, pendency or the orders passed by this Court in this petition shall neither be construed as any stamp of the Court qua the relationship/marriage of the petitioners nor shall be relied upon by any authority/Court in any proceedings initiated against them under any other provision of law.

-310.

This order shall not operate as an alibi or defence to any proceedings which might be pending or may arise against the petitioners. Although, the State is duty bound to protect its citizens and only with the said motive, the present order/directions have been passed. (ALOK JAIN) JUDGE August 17, 2023 Parul Whether speaking/reasoned:- Yes/No Whether Reportable:- Yes/No