The Punjab and Haryana High Court in the case X & Anr. v. State of Punjab observed and has directed the Punjab state counsel to seek instructions for ascertaining whether there exists a specific mechanism in the state for addressing the grievances of runaway couples.
The bench of Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu in the case observed and has asked the counsel to produce relevant instructions or Standard Operating Procedures, SoPs for the record if such a mechanism exists.
The court stated that the counsel appearing for State will take instructions as to whether there is any specific mechanism provided for redressal of the grievances of the run-away couples in the State of Punjab? If yes, relevant instructions or Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs be brought on record.
However, the said development came while hearing the petition filed by a couple in Punjab.
The court in the case inquired whether there was a set mechanism in the state since it was dealing with a number of such pleas every day.
Therefore, the married couple from Punjab had sought police protection due to their inter-caste marriage, which was done against the wishes of their respective families. It has also been alleged by them that their family members have been making death threats and will not let them lead a peaceful life.
The court stated that as per the plea and even after submitting a representation to the police, they were not provided with protection, thus, they are currently living under constant threat.
The court while considering the plea granted an interim protection to the couple.
The bench in the case observed and has directed that the concerned SHO protect the life and liberty of both petitioners.