Shabnam And Another v. State Of Haryana And Others

In the High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana At Chandigarh Date of Decision:-22.11.2024 Shabnam and another ... Petitioners

Versus

State of Haryana and others ... Respondents

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE GURVINDER SINGH GILL Present:- Mr. Kuldeep Choudhary, Advocate for the petitioners. ***** GURVINDER SINGH GILL , J .(Oral)

1. Petitioner No.1-Shabnam aged about 21 years and petitioner No.2-Dheeraj Kumar aged about 25 years, both of whom are in a 'live-in' relationship, have approached this Court seeking issuance of a direction to official respondents to protect their lives and liberty as they apprehend threat to the same at the hands of private respondents No.4 to 7, who do not approve of their 'live-in' relationship.

2. Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and without commenting anything as regards the veracity of the averments made in the petition and also as regards the sanctity of alleged relationship or age of the petitioners, the petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.2Superintendent of Police, Panchkula, to look into the matter and to dispose off the representation dated 21.11.2024 (Annexure P-3) in accordance with

( 2 ) law. In case, it is found that there is a genuine threat to the lives and liberty of the petitioners, then necessary steps warranted under law be taken thereupon at the earliest so as to ensure that no harm is caused to the petitioners.

3. A copy of this order alongwith copy of the representation dated 21.11.2024 (Annexure P-3) be sent to respondent No.2-Superintendent of Police, Panchkula, so as to enable him to do the needful expeditiously.

4. It is, however, clarified that the aforesaid order shall not be taken to be any expression as regards the alleged relationship or age of the petitioners and shall not confer any immunity upon the petitioners, in case it is found that they have committed any wrong.

5. At this stage, Mr. Gurjant Singh, Advocate, has put in appearance on behalf of respondents No.4 and 6 and has filed power of attorney. The same is taken on record.

6. Learned counsel for respondents No.4 and 6 has assured that the private respondents shall not cause any harm to the petitioners and as a matter of fact they would be keen to ensure that cordial relations are maintained as the private respondents and the petitioners are residents of the same locality.

7. In view of the aforesaid submission, the petitioners and their family as well as the private respondents shall appear before Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Panchkula at 10:00 AM on 27.11.2024. The Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Panchkula shall refer the parties to some seasoned Mediator who shall briefly interact with the parties so as to ensure

( 3 ) that they do not take law into their hands though the learned counsel for respondents No.4 and 6 assured that the private respondents do not intend to cause any harm. In case the petitioners apprehend any kind of threat at the time when they have to appear before Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Panchkula, it shall be open to them to approach Secretary, DLSA, Panchkula telephonically before-hand who shall make necessary arrangements for ensuring that no untoward incident takes place.

8. The Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Panchkula to send his report after conducting meeting with the parties.

22.11.2024 ( GURVINDER SINGH GILL ) mohan JUDGE Whether speaking /reasoned Yes / No Whether Reportable Yes / No