224 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH -.- CRWP-34-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision : 15.01.2026 Mantasha Akhtar and Another ....Petitioners VERSUS State of Punjab and Others ....Respondents CORAM : HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE MANDEEP PANNU Present: Mr. Arun Kumar Gupta, Advocate for the petitioners. Mr. Sahil Chowdhary, AAG Punjab, -.- MANDEEP PANNU J. (Oral) 1. The present writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India has been filed seeking issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the official respondents to protect the lives and liberty of the petitioners at the hands of private respondents, who are none other than the family members of the petitioners. 2. In compliance of order dated 05.01.2026, the learned State counsel has filed a short reply by way of affidavit of Harsimran Singh, PPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rural, District Patiala, on behalf of official respondent, wherein it has been stated that the representation dated 30.12.2025 moved by the petitioners regarding apprehension of threat was duly enquired into by ASI Baljinder Singh. After conducting a thorough and detailed enquiry, the enquiry officer concluded that as per the statements of the petitioners themselves, they do not apprehend any threat from their parents or relatives and, therefore, do not require any police protection. Additionally, to ensure the safety of the petitioners, the Incharge, Police Post TRIPTI SAINI 2026.01.16 16:02 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRWP-34-2026 (O&M) -2- Bahadurgarh, directed the patrolling staff to conduct regular patrolling in the residential area of the petitioners. 3. Although, it has been stated in the reply that the petitioners themselves stated that they do not require any police protection as they do not apprehend any threat from their parents or relatives, however it is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioners that the petitioners are still having threat to their life and liberty. 4. In view of the submission of learned counsel for the petitioners, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to the Superintendent of Police, Patiala to look into the grievance of the petitioners and take appropriate action, as may be warranted by the circumstances, for protection of their life and personal liberty. 5. Further, they would not be entitled for any protection against their arrest or continuance of any criminal proceedings, if otherwise, found to be involved in commission of any cognizable offence(s). 6. Pending application(s), if any, is/are disposed of. January 15, 2026 (MANDEEP PANNU) tripti JUDGE Whether speaking/non-speaking : Speaking Whether reportable : Yes/No TRIPTI SAINI 2026.01.16 16:02 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document