Punjab and Haryana High Court Orders Immediate Protection for Matrimonial Couple Facing Threats

Court mandates prompt action from authorities to uphold right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India

In a landmark judgment, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the State authorities to provide immediate protection to a couple, Mandeep Kaur and another, who are facing threats to their lives from family members due to their matrimonial alliance, which goes against familial wishes. Presiding over the case, Justice Parmod Goyal emphasized the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, asserting that the denial of protection without a detailed speaking order constitutes a violation of this right.

The petitioners, Mandeep Kaur and her spouse, approached the court after their representation for protection dated 19th October 2025 went unheeded by the authorities. The couple, fearing for their safety from Kaur’s father and brother, sought the court’s intervention to compel the authorities to act on their request for protection.

Justice Goyal highlighted that in matters concerning protection, especially in cases of matrimonial alliances that defy societal norms or familial expectations, the State authorities are obligated to grant protection immediately upon receiving an application. The inquiry into the threat perception can follow subsequently, but any delay or denial of protection without valid reasons is deemed impermissible.

The court reprimanded the authorities for their non-committal stance, which appeared to leave the discretion of granting protection in the hands of the SHO concerned. Justice Goyal stressed that such matters should not be entangled in bureaucratic red-tapism and require swift action to prevent potential harm.

The judgment further clarifies that the authorities could be held accountable for any untoward incidents resulting from their inaction or delay in providing protection. Justice Goyal warned that the protection’s purpose is defeated if individuals remain vulnerable despite seeking help from the authorities. The court has previously recognized the socio-economic challenges and the reality of violence, including honor killings, faced by young couples marrying against societal norms.

Consequently, the court directed Respondent No. 2 to provide protection to the petitioners immediately and to address their representation by issuing a detailed speaking order. The petitioners were granted the liberty to approach the Nodal Officer directly or through their counsel, with a mandate for the application to be resolved on the same day.

This judgment reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the fundamental rights of individuals, especially in sensitive matters involving personal safety and societal pressure, thereby upholding the constitutional guarantee of the right to life.

Bottom Line:

Authorities must act promptly to provide protection to individuals apprehending threats to their lives, especially in cases involving matrimonial alliances against the wishes of their families.

Statutory provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution of India

Mandeep Kaur v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2805237