PANCHAL ANJALIBEN SHAILESHKUMAR Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioners are before this Court seeking police protection with following reliefs:-

(2.) Marriage of the petitioners is inter-caste. However, since they are married without the wish and will of the parents, they are apprehensive of the wrath of the family. It is urged that due protection be provided to them.

(3.) The Apex Court in the case of Lata Singh vs State of U.P and another , (2006) 5 SCC 475 has held that ours is a free and democratic country and once a person becomes a major, he or she can marry whosoever he/she likes. If intercaste or interreligious marriage is not approved by the parents they at the best can cut off social relations with the son or the daughter, but cannot endanger anyone's personal live or liberty. The Court further directed the police authority to ensure that no boy or girl suffers on account of inter cast or inter religion marriage and the couples are not harassed in any mode or manner. The Apex Court has also expressed its concern over the honour killing of such persons.