2026 Supreme(Online)(J&K) 950
HIGH COURT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH AT JAMMU
WP(C) No. 3528/2026 CM No. 7239/2026
Madiha Firdous & Anr. …..Appellant(s)/Petitioner(s)
Through: Mr. Mohd Arif, Advocate
Vs
Union Territory of J&K & Ors. .…. Respondent(s)
Through: Ms. Nisha Kangotra, Advocate vice Mrs. Monika Kohli, Sr. AAG
Coram: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE SINDHU SHARMA, JUDGE
ORDER
23.10.2026
(Sindhu Sharma)
Judge
Jammu
23.10.2026
Amit
HIGH COURT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH AT JAMMU
WP(C) No. 3528/2026 CM No. 7239/2026
Madiha Firdous & Anr. …..Appellant(s)/Petitioner(s)
Through: Mr. Mohd Arif, Advocate
Vs
Union Territory of J&K & Ors. .…. Respondent(s)
Through: Ms. Nisha Kangotra, Advocate vice Mrs. Monika Kohli, Sr. AAG
Coram: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE SINDHU SHARMA, JUDGE
ORDER
23.10.2026
1. Petitioners seek a direction to respondent Nos. 1 to 5 to provide them the police protection as they as they apprehend danger to their lives from respondent No.6. It is submitted that the petitioners are major and have married out of their own free will. Learned counsel for the petitioners has placed on record a document issued by Army Goodwill Public School, Rajouri, J&K, under the Central Board of Secondary Education, relating to the age proof of petitioner No. 1, Madiha Firdous. The said document is taken on record. Copy Nikah Nama dated 22.09.2026 has been placed on record. They submit that, since they have contracted the marriage against the wishes of respondent No. 6, they are facing harassment and threats at her hands.
2. 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 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 protect the life and liberty of the petitioners.
3. Both the petitioners are present, in person, and are identified by their counsel.
4. Perusal of the record annexed with the writ file reveals that petitioners are major and have contracted marriage on 22.09.2026 according to Muslim Personal Law, Rites and Customs.
5. Any person having attained the age of majority is entitled to contract the marriage as per his/her wishes and the police department is duty bound to protect their life and liberty, if approached. However, it appears that the petitioners have not ever approached the official respondents for their indulgence in the matter for providing protection to them.
6. Keeping in view the relief sought, this petition is disposed of, at this stage, by providing that respondent Nos. 1 to 5 shall look into the grievance of the petitioners for providing them adequate security and to ensure that nobody interferes in married life of the petitioners, if the petitioners approach them. It is made clear that no opinion has been expressed with regard to the validity of their marriage, and the police is free to take a view on the basis of the available material and inquiry. If it is found that the parties are major and have married out of their own free will and consent, the necessary protection shall be extended to them.
7. Disposed of alongwith CM.
(Sindhu Sharma)
Judge
Jammu
23.10.2026
Amit