IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 109 CRWP-3693-2025 Date of Decision: 11.04.2025 Neha and another ....Petitioners Versus State of Punjab and others ....Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VIKAS SURI ---- Present: Mr. Mandeep Singh Kaler, Advocate for the petitioners. **** VIKAS SURI, J. (Oral) 1. Through this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioners namely Neha and Lachhman Chaudhary have approached this Court seeking protection of life and personal liberty at the hands of private respondent Nos.4 to 7. 2. The contention of the petitioners is that both are major, aged 21 years and 22 years, respectively. In support thereof, copy of Aadhaar cards pertaining to the petitioners have been appended as Annexures P-1 and P-2. It is further contended that the petitioners have performed marriage against the wishes of the private respondents on 05.04.2025. The marriage was performed at Prachin Pashupati Nath Shiv Mandir Society (Regd.), Booth No.228, M.D.C Sector 4 Panchkula, Haryana, according to Hindu rites and ceremonies. A copy of the marriage certificate (Annexure P-3) issued by the aforesaid Temple has also been appended. The petitioners apprehend threat to their lives and claim that there is a constant danger of being implicated in a false case. 3. Notice of motion restricted to respondents No.1 to 3 only. 4. Mr. Malkiat Singh, Deputy Advocate General, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the respondent Nos.1 to 3 and waives service. VARINDER PRASHAD 2025.04.11 17:19 I attest to the accuracy of this order/judgment PHHC CRWP-3693-2025 -2- 5. Learned counsel for the petitioners states that representation dated 07.04.2025 (Annexure P-5) has also been submitted by the petitioners to respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, Barnala, but to no avail. 6. Learned State counsel has no objection if appropriate direction for providing requisite protection to the petitioners is given. 7. Without examining the question of legality and validity of the marriage or expressing any opinion thereon, the present petition is disposed of with the direction to respondent No.2 – Senior Superintendent of Police, Barnala, to look into the grievances of the petitioners as set out in the petition, in light of the representation (Annexure P-5) and take appropriate action, for protection of their lives and liberty, as may be warranted by the circumstances. 8. However, it is clarified that this order shall not be taken to validate the alleged marriage and in case any criminal case has been/is registered against the petitioners, nothing in this order shall be construed as a bar for taking appropriate action by the police authorities in respect thereof, in accordance with law. 9. Disposed of. (VIKAS SURI) April 11, 2025 JUDGE Varinder Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No VARINDER PRASHAD 2025.04.11 17:19 I attest to the accuracy of this order/judgment PHHC