IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 116 CRWP-5251-2025 Date of Decision: 21.05.2025 Manju and another ...Petitioners Versus State of Punjab and others ...Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH **** Present: Mr. Divyansh Shukla, Advocate for Mr. Harmanbir Singh Sandhu, Advocate for the petitioners. Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab. Mr. Babneet Singh, Advocate for respondent No.4. ***** SANJAY VASHISTH , J. (Oral) 1. Prayer in the instant petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, is for issuance of direction to the official respondents to provide protection of lives and liberty to the petitioners, who have married against the wishes of the private respondents. The details, relevant for decision of the present petition, are tabulated as under:- Petitioner No. 1 Petitioner No. 2 Name(s) Manju Om Parkash Age (in years) 18 years 25 years Date of marriage 15.05.2025 Rite Hindu Rites Represented on 15.05.2025 Submitted to Senior Superintendent of Police, Fazilka Family members Respondents No.4 to 6 NISHA 2025.05.23 15.20 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRWP-5251-2025 -2- arrayed as 2. Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that the petitioners have solemnized marriage against the wishes of their family members, who are threatening and interfering in the matrimonial life of the petitioners. It is the first marriage of both 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 15.05.2025 (Annexure P-5), to respondent No.2 – Senior Superintendent of Police, Fazilka, wherein, they have expressed their apprehension. 3. Notice of motion to the official respondents only. 4. On asking of the Court, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the respondent – State. Let requisite copies of the complete paper book be supplied to learned State counsel during course of the day. 5. At this stage, Mr. Babneet Singh, Advocate, puts in appearance on behalf of respondent No.4 (father of petitioner No.1) and files his Vakalatnama in Court, which is taken on record, subject to all just exceptions. Office to tag the same at appropriate place. 6. Counsel for respondent No.4 submits that the father of petitioner No.1 wish to meet her once to talk peacefully and make her understand. 7. In view of the above, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.2 – Senior Superintendent of Police, Fazilka, to look into the representation dated 15.05.2025 (Annexure P-5), qua threat perception, and if there is any substance in it, take necessary steps, in NISHA 2025.05.23 15.20 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRWP-5251-2025 -3- accordance with law, to ensure that the lives and liberty of the petitioners are not jeopardized at the hands of the private respondents. 8. 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. 9. Besides, respondent No.2 – Senior Superintendent of Police, Fazilka, acknowledges the request of respondent No.4, the father of petitioner No.1, in the present petition. If the situation permits, respondent No.2 agrees to facilitate a meeting between petitioner No.1 and respondent No.4, provided that no untoward situation is created by them. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE May 21, 2025 Nisha-1 Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No NISHA 2025.05.23 15.20 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document