Amrik Singh And Another vs State Of Punjab And Others

Gurvinder Singh Gill, J

Petitioner No.1-Amrik Singh aged about 25 years and petitioner No.2-Shahnaz Jahan aged about 29 years, both of whom are in a ‘live-in’ relationship, have approached this Court seeking issuance of a direction to official respondents to protect their lives and liberty as they apprehend threat to the same at the hands of private respondents No.4 to 8, who do not approve of their ‘live-in’ relationship.

Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and without commenting anything as regards the veracity of the averments made in the petition and also as regards the sanctity of alleged relationship or age of the petitioners, the petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), to look into the matter and to dispose off the representation dated 03.02.2024 (Annexure P-3) in accordance with law. In case, it is found that there is a genuine threat to the lives and liberty of the petitioners, then necessary steps warranted under law be taken thereupon at the earliest so as to ensure that no harm is caused to the petitioners.

A copy of this order alongwith copy of the representation dated 03.02.2024 (Annexure P-3) be sent to respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) so as to enable him to do the needful expeditiously.

Needless to mention, respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) shall consider all the aspects and in case it is found that the petitioners are required to be lodged in some protection home/safe house, necessary arrangements shall be made for the same.

It is, however, clarified that the aforesaid order shall not be taken to be any expression as regards the alleged relationship or age of the petitioners and shall not confer any immunity upon the petitioners, in case it is found that they have committed any wrong.