In a quiet courtroom at the Delhi High Court, a young married couple found relief they had been seeking for months. Justice Saurabh Banerjee ordered police protection for the pair after they said they were facing threats from the woman’s father over their marriage. The court made it clear that once two adults choose each other, the law stands with them.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed by Laxmi Devi and her husband under Article 226 of the Constitution and Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). They asked the court to direct the authorities to protect them from threats allegedly made by the woman’s father.
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In court, their lawyer said both are consenting adults. They were married on July 30, 2025, according to Hindu rites at an Arya Samaj temple in Delhi. The marriage was later registered before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in October 2025. The problem began when the woman’s father opposed the match. The couple told the court that threats followed, and an FIR was also filed in Uttar Pradesh against them, which they said was used as pressure.
At the start of the hearing, the couple dropped one of their requests - they no longer pressed for an order to stop police action in the FIR. They focused only on seeking protection for their lives.
Court’s Observations
Justice Banerjee went back to first principles. He said the right to marry a person of one’s choice is part of personal liberty and is protected by Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and freedom.
Referring to earlier Supreme Court rulings, the judge reminded the court that “the right to marry a person of one’s choice is integral to Article 21,” and that society has no role in deciding who an adult should marry. He also cited the top court’s strong words in cases where couples faced threats for inter-caste or inter-religious marriages, noting that such harassment is illegal and must be dealt with firmly.
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The order did not mince words. The judge observed that no one - “not society, not the State machinery, not even parents” - can interfere in the decision of two adults who have chosen to marry. He added that the woman’s father, or anyone else, cannot be allowed to threaten their life and liberty just because they disapprove of the marriage.
Decision
Allowing the petition, the court directed that the couple be given protection. They were told they could contact the Station House Officer or the beat constables of the local police station whenever needed. The judge also said that if the couple shifts to another area, they must inform the local police within three days so protection can continue there as well.
With these directions, the court disposed of the petition and the pending application, bringing immediate relief to the couple who had approached the court fearing for their safety.
Case Title:- Laxmi Devi & Anr. vs State (NCT of Delhi) & Ors.
