Teesha –
The Apex Court declined to pass an order granting sanctity to the relationship of an inter-caste couple’s live-in relationship who wished to get married against the wishes of their parents and sought protection from the state.
The Court disposed of their petition, however, granted them the liberty to submit a representation to the Superintendent of Police for protection against any apprehension or threat.
The Bench comprising Justice Navin Sinha and Justice Ajay Rastogi remarked, “Both of you want to solemnise inter-caste marriage against the wishes of your parents. And you seek the Court’s shoulder or umbrella to give sanctity to it; therefore, we are not inclined to pass any such order.”
While disposing of the petition the Court stated that the matter concerns life and liberty therefore, the Superintendent of Police is required to act expeditiously in accordance with the law, inclusive of granting protection to the petitioners unbiased of the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s observation.
The Petition was filed through Advocate Abhimanyu Tiwari highlighting the various principles of justice granted by the Apex Court in its precedents, upholding the constitutional rights and personal choice of the person.
The matter reached the Supreme Court, after the High Court referred the case to a larger Bench pertaining to the question, whether the Court is required to grant protection to two persons living together, without examining their marital status and the circumstances of the case