Sr. No. 134 HIGH COURT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH AT JAMMU Earim Kouser and Anr. ..... Petitioner(s)/Appellant(s)

Through :- Mr. Kanishk Manchanda, Advocate Mr. Rohit Kotwal, Advocate Vs U.T. of J&K and Ors. .....Respondent(s)

Through :- Mrs. Monika Kohli, Sr. AAG CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY DHAR, JUDGE

ORDER

16.02.2026

01. In the instant petition, the petitioners seek a direction upon respondent Nos. 1 to 3 to provide them the police protection as they apprehend danger to their lives from respondent Nos. 4 to 12. It is submitted that the petitioners are major and have married out of their own free will. Copy of Nikahnama dated 30.08.2025 and proof of petitioners' date of birth have been placed on record. They submit that since they have contracted the marriage against the wishes of respondent Nos. 4 to 12, as such, they are facing harassment at their hands.

02. Learned counsel for the petitioners refers to the decision of the Supreme Court in Lata Singh v. State of U.P and anr, 2006 (5) SCC 475, and submits that in the absence of there being any legal impediment, the petitioners are entitled to marry according to their choice and the official respondents are duty bound to pro