The Kerala High Court has directed the police to provide protection to an interfaith couple from Jharkhand who fled their home state due to severe threats from their families. The couple, after being in a relationship for ten years, moved to Kerala and solemnized their marriage. The court also strictly instructed the authorities not to repatriate the couple to their home state during the pendency of their writ petition.
Court’s Ruling and Directives
During the hearing, Justice C.S. Dias made an oral remark:
"Be there, if there is anything, report to the 3rd respondent (Station House Officer)."
In its official order, the court stated:
"On a consideration of facts and materials, I am satisfied that the petitioners are entitled to an interim order. Hence, I direct the 3rd respondent (Station House Officer) to ensure adequate police protection to the life of the petitioners. The 3rd respondent shall ensure that the petitioners are not repatriated to any other place during the pendency of the writ petition."
Background of the Case
The petitioners, Asha Verma and Mohammad Ghalib, are residents of Ramgarh district, Jharkhand. They had been in a relationship for ten years but faced opposition from their families due to their different religious backgrounds. Unable to withstand the pressure, the couple decided to relocate to Kerala on February 9, 2025.
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After arriving in Kerala, they got married as per Islamic rites in Kayamkulam, Alappuzha district, on February 11, 2025. However, their families soon began exerting pressure on Asha, coercing her to falsely claim that she was abducted. She stated before the court that she and her husband were under severe threats and feared for their lives.
Petition for Police Protection
The couple filed a writ petition before the Kerala High Court, asserting their fundamental right to marry freely and reside anywhere in the country. Their legal team argued that they had moved out of Jharkhand of their own free will and that any attempt to force them back would violate their constitutional rights.
Plea has been moved by Advocates Sravan M.S., Akhil Raj B., Gaya S Latha, Srikanth Thamban, Arun Raj , Vishnu Vijayan , Ameesha George, Bensan Benny
Case Title: Asha Verma v Director General of Police
Case No: WPC 7928/2025
