SUMAN MEENA Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The instant Writ Petition involves a crucial issue regarding the constitutional and statutory obligations of the State, and particularly the police authorities, qua safeguarding the life and liberty of persons who face threats of extra-legal harassment and/or violence at the hands of other social actors or groups.

(2.) Learned Counsel for the petitioners has submitted that petitioners No. 1 and 2 are a major couple who solemnized their marriage with mutual consent on 1/3/2024. It is submitted that the petitioners apprehend a threat to their safety from respondents No. 6 to 10, who are the family members of petitioner No. 1, and who perceive the petitioners' marriage as a threat to their honor and social standing.

(3.) Respondents No. 2 to 5 are the police authorities against whom the petitioners have prayed for directions to the effect that the petitioners' safety is ensured. In this regard, learned Counsel for the petitioner has submitted that a representation highlighting the threat to the petitioners' lives, and seeking the implementation of appropriate measures to ensure the petitioners' safety, was filed before the police authorities on 1/3/2024. Nevertheless, the said representation was not duly considered by the police authorities.