look news india
In Maharashtra, the case of marriage of a Hindu youth and a Muslim girl reached the Bombay High Court. Both pleaded for protection due to threats and opposition from their families. Hearing the case, a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan ordered the Maharashtra government to make arrangements to send the couple to ‘safe homes’ recently set up in the state. These safe homes have been created for couples who feel threatened by their families or society after interfaith marriage.
Were receiving threats from families
This matter came to light when a 23-year-old Hindu youth sought security regarding his relationship with a Muslim girl. Both of them live near Mira Road in Mumbai, but their families refused to accept their relationship and issued threats.
The petitioner said that when he informed his family in Pune about his relationship, the family protested violently and gave him strict instructions not to contact the girl. On the other hand, the girl’s family also adopted a similar stand. The situation became so serious that the girl left home on 15 December. After this both of them applied to get married under the Special Marriage Act.
Demand for security in High Court
The young man and the girl approached the High Court to escape from family and other social opposition. They demanded ‘safe homes’ and police protection. During the hearing of the case, senior advocate Mihir Desai and advocate Lara Jesani apprised the court about the condition of the couple and their safety concerns.
Safe Homes Circular of Maharashtra Government
The advocates told the court that the Maharashtra government had issued a circular on December 18, which provided for the provision of ‘safe houses’ to provide security to couples performing inter-religious marriages. The purpose of this system is to protect such couples from potential threats from their families and society.
court instructions
Taking cognizance of the matter, the court directed the youth to apply to Mira Road police station for his safety. The youth also told the court that he was going to return to work from December 23 and he feared danger from his family and the girl’s family.
Government initiative and role of court
The court’s decision in this case and the initiative of the state government are a relief to those couples who feel unsafe due to social or religious protests. Through Safe Homes, the state government has taken an initiative to provide security to people who may be in danger due to their choice of life partner.
This incident not only underlines the right to individual freedom but also focuses on the need for religious and cultural tolerance in the society.