ORDER

The present petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India has been preferred by the petitioners seeking police protection in the wake of threats which has been given by the family members of petitioner No.1 in respect of the fact that petitioners intend to marry with each other, inter-faith, out of their own free will and consent under the Special Marriage Act. They are seeking a direction for grant of protection of life, liberty and dignity, which according to them, is under threat.

For establishing the age of petitioner No.1 as well as petitioner No.2, copies of mark sheets and Adhar Cards have been produced. However, the parents of petitioner No.1 are harassing and victimizing the petitioners. It is further submitted that the instant petition may be disposed of with the direction to the Superintendent of Police, Vidisha to provide protection to the petitioners. In support of his submission, learned counsel for the petitioners has placed reliance on the decisions in Lata Singh v. State of U.P. and Another, (2006) 5 SCC 475 & in Shakti Vahini Vs. Union of India and Others, 2018 (7)

SCC 192.

On the other hand, learned Government Advocate for the State fairly submitted that in case petitioners approach the police authorities, suitable action in the matter shall be taken.

Taking into account the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties and as agreed to by them, the writ petition is disposed of with the direction to the Superintendent of Police, Vidisha to look into the matter and take appropriate steps for providing protection to the petitioners expeditiously, in view of the law laid down by the Supreme Court in Lata Singh and Shakti Vahini (supra).

The Superintendent of Police, Vidisha is directed to verify the factum of any threat from anybody only then if it deems fit.

The petition stands disposed of.

It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.

Certified copy as per rules.

(MILIND RAMESH PHADKE)

JUDGE neetu