The High Court of Judicature at Allahabad on February 3, 2026, disposed of a writ petition filed by a young Muslim couple seeking protection from alleged threats by the woman’s father.
Justice Garima Prashad, while closing the case, reminded authorities that the State’s 2019 Government Order on protecting consenting adult couples must be followed strictly.
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Background of the Case
The petitioners - a 20-year-old woman and her 33-year-old husband - approached the court stating that they had solemnized their marriage against the wishes of the woman’s family.
They sought a writ of mandamus - a court direction ordering authorities to perform their duty - asking the police to protect their life and liberty and prevent interference in their marital life.
Their counsel argued that the woman’s father was continuously threatening and harassing them, mainly due to the age difference and a suspicion that this was not the husband’s first marriage. These actions, they claimed, disturbed their peaceful married life and created fear for their safety .
However, upon instructions from the authorities, the State’s counsel informed the court that this was indeed the first marriage for both individuals.
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Court’s Observations on Protection of Couples
The bench took note of a growing number of young couples approaching the High Court for protection in similar circumstances.
Justice Prashad referred to earlier directions issued in Suman Ahirwar vs. State of U.P. and the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India, which addressed honour-based threats and violence.
Following those rulings, the Uttar Pradesh government had issued a Government Order dated August 31, 2019, laying down preventive and remedial measures for the protection of couples facing threats due to marriage or consensual relationships .
The court emphasized that this Government Order requires police authorities to:
- Assess threat perception in every case.
- Provide security when necessary.
- Arrange safe accommodation depending on the seriousness of the situation.
- Act sensitively when complaints are made.
The order specifically covers inter-caste and inter-religious marriages, as well as cases where families oppose adult relationships.
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“The directions contained in the above Government Order are binding upon all concerned authorities and shall be strictly complied with,” the bench observed.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners informed the court that, pursuant to interim protection granted earlier on November 26, 2025, there was no longer any threat from the woman’s father .
In light of this statement, the court found that no further immediate directions were required.
The Court’s Decision
The High Court disposed of the writ petition.
However, it clarified that if any genuine and serious threat to the couple’s life or liberty arises in the future, they are free to approach the police authorities. The police, in turn, would be duty-bound to assess the threat and provide appropriate protection in accordance with the 2019 Government Order and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Shakti Vahini.
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The bench also made two important clarifications:
- The order does not decide the validity of the marriage.
- The court has not examined or expressed any opinion on allegations of enticement, coercion, or any criminal claims between the parties. Authorities remain free to act in accordance with law if required .
With these observations, the matter was brought to a close.
Case Title: Smt. Samiya and Another vs State of U.P. and 3 Others
Case No.: WRIT - C No. 41804 of 2025
Decision Date: February 3, 2026
