SONIYA Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners, having attained the age of 18, are seeking protection of their life and liberty at the hands of the private respondents, who are none other than the immediate family members of petitioner No. 1.

(2.) In brief the facts as stated are, that Ms. Soniya, petitioner No. 1 is aged 22 years 4 months with her date of birth being 01.01.1998, whereas Mr. Anil, petitioner No. 2 is younger and is 19 years 6 months old, with his date of birth being 26.09.2001. The parents of petitioner No. 1 wanted her to marry a person of their choice and threatened her with dire consequences in case she did not do so. Petitioner No. 1 left her paternal home and called upon petitioner No. 2 (whom she had known for the past one year) to save her from her parents, who wanted her to get married to a person who was much older in age. Petitioner No. 2 requested her to go back, but being fearful for her life and that she would be forcibly married to a person much older than her, she refused to do so. Consequently, she shifted in with petitioner No. 2. The petitioners decided to live together till such time as they could solemnise a marriage, i.e. on petitioner No. 2 attaining the age of 21. It is also stated that the relationship would never be accepted by the private respondents, as both belong to different castes. Petitioner No.1 belongs to Kashyap caste whereas petitioner No. 2 belongs to a Rabari caste. The petitioners have already approached the SP, Karnal vide a representation dated 12.05.2021 (Annexure P-3) seeking protection at the hands of the private respondents, but there has been no response. Fearing a threat to their life, as the relationship was not acceptable to the parents and family members of petitioner No. 1 have threatened to kill the petitioners, the instant criminal writ petition has been preferred.

(3.) Notice of motion to the official respondents only.