IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH Date of decision: 25.05.2026 Baby Devi and another ...Petitioners VERSUS State of Punjab and others ...Respondents CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VINOD S. BHARDWAJ Present :- Mr. Manminderjit Singh, Advocate for the petitioner.

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VINOD S. BHARDWAJ, J. (Oral)

The petitioners namely Baby Devi and Deepak Kumar have approached this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for seeking protection of their lives and personal liberty from the private respondents.

The contention of the petitioners is that both are major, aged 18 years and 26 years respectively and they have performed marriage against the wishes of their parents. In support thereof, copy of the Aadhaar Cards pertaining to the petitioners have been appended. The marriage of the petitioners was solemnized on 22.05.2026 at Mandir Ichhapuran Shanichra Dham Welfare Society (Regd. No.4017), Abohar, as per Hindu rites and rituals. A copy of Marriage Certificate (Annexure P-3) issued by the Purohit/Pujari of the aforesaid Mandir has also been appended. The petitioners apprehend threat to their lives and claim that there is a constant danger of them being implicated in a false case.

Learned counsel for the petitioners states that a representation dated 22.05.2026 (Annexure P-5) has also been submitted by the petitioners to the respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, Fazilka and he confines his prayer that the representation may be examined.

Notice of motion restricted to respondents No.1 to 3 only.

Pursuant to supply of advance copy, Mr. Mohit Kapoor, Sr.

DAG Punjab has appeared and accepted notice on behalf of respondents No.1 to 3. He submits that he has no objection if appropriate direction for providing requisite protection to the petitioners is given.

Having heard the counsel for the parties, the present petition is being disposed of without examining the question of legality and validity of the marriage and expressing any opinion thereon, with a direction to respondent No.3-Station House Officer, Police Station Khui Khera, District Fazilka to look into the grievances of the petitioners as set out in the petition and also expressed in the representation dated 22.05.2026 (Annexure P-5) and take appropriate action for protection of their lives and liberty as may be warranted by the circumstances.

However, it is clarified that in case any criminal case has been/is registered against the petitioners, nothing in this order shall be construed as a bar for taking appropriate action by the police authorities in respect thereof in accordance with law.

The Registry is directed to send a copy of this order along with copy of the petition and above-said representation to respondent No.3- Station House Officer, Police Station Khui Khera, District Fazilka for requisite compliance.

Disposed of.

(VINOD S. BHARDWAJ)

25.05.2026 JUDGE

Mangal Singh