GUWAHATI: The Allahabad High Court has refused to grant police protection to a couple who married without their parents’ approval, stating that security cannot be demanded as a right unless there is a credible threat to their lives or personal liberty.
ALSO READ: Three Stolen Motorcycles Recovered In Assam’s Boko, Four Apprehended
Justice Saurabh Srivastava passed the order while hearing a writ petition filed by Shreya Kesarwani and her husband. The couple had sought protection and requested that private individuals—believed to be family members—not interfere in their married life.
In its ruling, the court emphasised that couples who marry by choice must "learn to support each other and face the society." The court made it clear that protection can only be extended in genuinely deserving cases, where a real and imminent threat is established.
After examining the couple's plea, the court found no indication of any serious threat. “There is not even an iota of evidence suggesting that the private respondents pose any physical or mental harm to the petitioners,” the court observed, as per media reports.
The court also noted that the couple had not filed any formal complaint or FIR with the police regarding threats from their families. While they had submitted a representation to the Superintendent of Police in Chitrakoot district, the court said that appropriate action could only be taken if the police determined there was a genuine risk.
Citing the Supreme Court's precedent in the Lata Singh vs State of UP case, the High Court underlined that judicial forums are not obligated to provide shelter or protection to every couple who defies family objections to marry.
In conclusion, the court disposed of the petition, reiterating that protection cannot be claimed as a routine entitlement and should only be granted when a real danger to life and liberty is apparent.
