A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan from Jammu and Kashmir has filed a petition before the Jammu & Kashmir High Court, challenging his dismissal from service. The dismissal was issued after it was revealed that he had married a woman from Pakistan, who is also his cousin.
"Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, while hearing the matter, issued notice to the Director General of CRPF and the Commandants of CRPF’s 41 Battalion (Bangrasia, Bhopal) and 72 Battalion (Sodra, Sunderbani, Rajouri), asking them to respond before the next hearing on June 30, 2025."
The petitioner joined CRPF in 2017 and served across various states including Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, and Madhya Pradesh. However, on May 2, 2025, he was dismissed from service after the authorities discovered that he had married Menal Khan, a Pakistani national.
This action followed the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 25 tourists and one local resident lost their lives. In response, India suspended visas for Pakistani nationals and reduced diplomatic relations with Pakistan. The heightened tension contributed to stricter scrutiny of cross-border relations.
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"The petitioner’s wife was among the Pakistani citizens listed for deportation after the incident, which led him to approach the High Court."
The High Court granted an interim stay on the deportation till May 14, 2025. Following the stay order, the woman was brought back from the Attari border and allowed to stay at the petitioner’s residence in Jammu & Kashmir.
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Now, the jawan has challenged his dismissal by filing a writ petition in the High Court. The petition not only seeks to overturn the termination but also raises critical legal questions regarding the constitutional right to marry, fairness in disciplinary actions, and the scope of state power in cases involving service personnel.
"The matter involves serious legal considerations, especially about whether the right to marry someone of one's choice can be restricted due to national security or service rules."
The case is scheduled for the next hearing on June 30, 2025. The CRPF is expected to present its formal reply on that date. The outcome may have significant implications for service law and personal rights in sensitive security contexts.
