Daijiworld Media Network- Prayagraj

Prayagraj, Apr 17: In a notable judgment, the Allahabad High Court has ruled that couples who marry against the wishes of their parents cannot claim police protection as a matter of right unless there exists a genuine threat to their life and liberty.

The decision came in response to a writ petition filed by Shreya Kesarwani and her husband, who sought police protection and intervention against any interference from their families in their marital life.

Justice Saurabh Srivastava, who presided over the matter, stated that the courts are not obliged to provide protection to couples who elope and marry out of their own free will, especially when there is no substantial evidence of threat from their families. Citing the Supreme Court’s verdict in Lata Singh vs State of UP, the High Court reinforced that protection cannot be granted merely because the marriage was opposed by parents.

“There is not even an iota of evidence suggesting that the petitioners face any physical or mental threat from their relatives,” the court observed. It added that couples in such situations must learn to support one another and face societal challenges together.

While the couple had submitted a representation to the Superintendent of Police in Chitrakoot, the court held that no specific complaint or FIR had been filed to warrant legal protection at this stage.

However, the bench clarified that if authorities later detect a real threat, necessary action would be taken in accordance with the law. The court emphasized that the judicial and law enforcement mechanisms are available to assist in the event of any genuine harassment.

The petition was ultimately disposed of on April 4, reinforcing that while the courts stand to protect individual liberty, such protections cannot be assumed as a matter of course.