NAINITAL, India, Feb. 19 -- Uttarakhand High Court issued the following judgment/order on Jan. 19:

1. The defects, as pointed out by the Registry, are overruled2. Heard learned counsel for the petitioners, and learned counsel for the State of Uttarakhand. 3. It is respectfully submitted that both the petitioners belong to the same faith and were in a love relationship, pursuant to which they solemnized their marriage of their own free will and volition in accordance with Hindu rites and rituals on 11.01.2026 at Chandreshwar Temple, Chamoli. It is further submitted that the family members of petitioner no. 1 are opposed to the said marriage and are allegedly extending threats to kill both the petitioners. The petitioners submit that they are facing serious resistance and have a genuine and reasonable apprehension of danger to their life and liberty at the hands of the family members of petitioner no. 1. In these circumstances, the petitioners have approached this Hon'ble Court seeking appropriate protection.

3. The documents placed on record clearly establish that both the petitioners are majors. The parties are present in person before this Court and have been duly identified by their respective counsel. Upon interaction with the petitioners, this Court is satisfied that they have voluntarily solemnized their marriage in accordance with Hindu rites and rituals on 11.01.2026, of their own free will and without any coercion or undue influence.

4. In that view of the matter, and in view of the ruling of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Lata Singh Vs State of U.P. and another, (2006) 5 SCC 475, the petitioners have made out a case for grant of protection.

5. The Station House Officer, Police Station Pathri, District Haridwar is directed to assess the threat, if any, to the life and limb of the petitioners, and provide necessary protection, if it is found that there is a threat to the life and limb of the petitioners. The SHO is further directed to summon the private respondents, and such other persons, who are inimically placed towards the marriage of the petitioners, and counsel them, in accordance with law.

6. The writ petition stands disposed of accordingly.

7. Pending applications, if any, shall also stand disposed of accordingly.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.