Ritu And Another v. State Of Punjab And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRWP-10576-2022 Decided on : 10.11.2022 Ritu and another . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab and others . . . Respondent(s) CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH PRESENT: Ms. Aarti Sharma, Advocate for Mr. Shalender Mohan, Advocate for the petitioners.

**** SANJAY VASHISTH , J. (Oral) Prayer in the instant petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, is for issuance of directions to respondents No.2 to 4, to provide protection of life and liberty to the petitioners, who have married against the wishes of private respondents.

2.

Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that petitioner No.1 - Ritu, aged about 27 years and petitioner No.2 - Dheeraj Kumar, aged about 29 years, have got married on 01.11.2022, against the wishes of their family members, arrayed as respondents No.5 to 7. After verifying the marriage, it was got registered in the office of Directorate of Economics & Statics, Hanumangarh Junction, Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, vide Marriage Registration Certificate dated 04.11.2022 (Annexure P-5). It has been submitted that the private respondents are threatening to interfere in the marital 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 06.11.2022 (Annexure P-6) to respondent No.2 - Sr. Superintendent of Police, Fazilka, JAWALA RAM 2022.11.10 17:16 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRWP- 10576 -2022 - 2 - wherein, they have expressed their apprehension. 3.

Notice of motion.

4.

On the asking of the Court, Mr. AS Sandhu, AAG, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of respondents No.1 to 3 (State). 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 06.11.2022 (Annexure P-6), which was sent through a registered post on 07.11.2022, 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 is not jeopardized at the hands of the private respondents.

5.

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 November 10, 2022 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No JAWALA RAM 2022.11.10 17:16 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document