The court has the authority to issue a writ of mandamus directing law enforcement authorities to provide necessary protection to individuals facing threats to their lives and liberty.

JUDGMENT

Manoj Kumar Tiwari, J. - In this petition, the petitioners have prayed for the following relief:-

'i) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus directing the respondent no. 1 and 2 to provide protection to the petitioners from the Respondent No. 3, and 4, so that they can live peacefully.'

2. In the present case, both the petitioners belong to the same faith and are major. Both the petitioners were in love and they wanted to marry each other. So they have solemnized their marriage on 02.01.2023 as per Hindu customs at Sri Vankhandi Mahadev Shivalaya, Chakarpur (Khatima), District Udham Singh Nagar (Copy of the marriage certificate is annexed as Annexure No. 1 to the writ petition).

3. The learned counsel for the petitioners submits that the petitioners have already made a representation on 03.01.2023 before the Senior Superintendent of Police, District Udham Singh Nagar- respondent no. 1 for protecting their lives, a copy whereof is annexed as Annexure No. 3 to this Writ Petition, but nothing has been done as yet. Having been left with no other remedy, the petitioners have filed the present Writ Petition.

4. In that view of the matter, we hereby dispose of the writ petition by directing the Senior Superintendent of Police, District Udham Singh Nagar- respondent no. 1 to take a decision on the representation of the petitioners (Annexure No. 3) within 30 days from today. The Senior Superintendent of Police, District Udham Singh Nagar shall take information and intelligence from the concerned SHO during the course of action whether further police protection is required or not. In the interregnum, the SHO, Police Station Khatima, District Udham Singh Nagar-respondent no. 2 shall provide necessary police protection for protecting the lives and liberty of the petitioners.

5. Consequently, pending applications, if any, also stand disposed of.

6. Let a free copy of this order be immediately handed over to Mr. Rakesh Kumar Joshi, learned Brief Holder for the State of Uttarakhand, for early compliance.

7. Urgent copy of this order be supplied to the learned counsel for the parties during the course of the day, as per Rules.