Punjab and Haryana High Court issued guidelines

Lovebirds who run away from home often approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court fearing danger from their families and seek protection. Taking note of this growing problem, the High Court has issued 12 guidelines so that the police and administration can take prompt and effective action in such cases.

Number of petitions and court timings

• Every day more than 90 petitions are filed in the High Court by couples who have run away from home.
• The bench of Justice Sandeep Mudgil said that the court spends about 4 hours a day in hearing these cases.
• The court believes that with these guidelines, time can be saved and other pending cases can be resolved.

Security of lovers: responsibility of the police

• The court clarified that it is the direct responsibility of the police and administration to provide security and shelter to loving couples.
• If a couple receives information about danger from family or society, the police should take immediate action.
• One should approach the court only when other measures do not provide solution.

Purpose of Guidelines

1. Article 21 of the Constitution:
   • Gives every citizen the right to life and personal liberty.
2. Proactive attitude of police:
   • On receiving information about danger, the police should immediately provide security and shelter.
3. Saving Court Time:
   • With these guidelines, court time can be saved and the court can focus on pending cases.

Suggestion for appointment of nodal officer

• A nodal officer will be appointed in every district, whose rank will be ASI or above.
• This guideline will be applicable in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.
• Nodal officers will ensure immediate action in these cases and report to the administration.

Justice Sandeep Mudgil’s statement

• Justice Mudgil said:
  • “The purpose of the court is to provide protection to citizens. But the administration and police should take steps already.”
  • “A systematic mechanism will not only save court time but will also provide timely relief to the victims.”

role of the constitution

• Under Article 21, if a person’s life is in danger due to love marriage, then it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure their safety.
• The court also said that security should be needed only in situations of grave danger and should be given immediate priority.