In a significant ruling, the Uttarakhand High Court has mandated police protection for an inter-caste couple facing life threats from the wife’s family. The order, issued by a division bench consisting of acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Pankaj Purohit, comes after the couple petitioned the court detailing threats from the wife’s maternal uncle and his sons.
The court directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhagwanpur Police Station in Haridwar district to ensure the safety of the couple for a period of six weeks. During this time, measures should be taken to prevent any harm to them. Furthermore, the SHO has been instructed to arrange a counseling session involving the couple and the wife’s maternal uncle and his sons, aiming to mediate and resolve the familial conflict.
The couple, who married in September 2023, reported that despite their consensual union and possessing a marriage registration certificate—a legal requirement for validating their marriage—they were subjected to intimidation and threats.
