IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH Decided on: 20.04.2026 Palak and another ......Petitioners Versus State of Punjab and others ......Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: Mr. Sartaj Singh Thakur, Advocate for the petitioners.

Mr. Manjinder Singh Bhullar, DAG, Punjab .

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SANJAY VASHISTH , J.

1. Prayer in the instant petition, filed under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India, is for issuance of direction to the official respondents to provide protection of lives and liberty to the petitioners, who have married against the wishes of the private respondents.

The details, relevant for decision of the present petition, are tabulated as under:-

Petitioner No. 1 Petitioner No. 2 Name(s) Palak Sushil Kumar Age (in years) 18 years 29 years Date of marriage 19.03.2026 Rite Hindu Rites Representation 16.04.2026(P-5)

dated Submitted to Respondent No.2-The Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur Family members Respondents No. 4 and 5.

arrayed as

2. Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that petitioners have solemnized marriage against the wishes of their family members, who are threatening and interfering in the matrimonial life of the petitioners. It is the first marriage of both the petitioners. Hence, the petitioners are seeking protection in that regard and have approached this Court by way of filing the instant petition. They have also submitted a representation dated 16.04.2026(P-5), to respondent No.2, wherein, they have expressed their apprehension.

3. Notice of motion to the official respondents only.

4. On asking of the Court, learned State counsel accepts notice on behalf of the respondent – State. Let requisite copies of the complete paper book be supplied to learned State counsel during course of the day.

In view of the foregoing, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to Respondent No. 2, The Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur, to examine the representation dated 16.04.2026(P-5) concerning the alleged threat perception. It is noticed that, as per the status report, no threat perception has been observed. Nevertheless, if any substance is found in the representation, Respondent shall take necessary measures in accordance with the law to ensure that the lives and liberty of the petitioners are not endangered by the private respondents.

It is further clarified that, while considering the petitioners’

representation, their credentials shall also be duly examined.

5. However, this direction shall not be construed as validating the marriage allegedly solemnized between the parties, nor shall it affect any civil or criminal proceedings that may be initiated in the matter in accordance with law.

(SANJAY VASHISTH)

JUDGE April 20, 2026 rashmi