Punjab and Haryana HC Mulls on streamlining runaway couples’ cases

In a significant development, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has enlisted the support of Advocate Generals from Punjab and Haryana, along with the Standing Counsel of UT Chandigarh, to address the overwhelming influx of protection petitions filed by runaway couples in the Court. Justice Sandeep Moudgil emphasized the need for collaboration to streamline the process, especially concerning its impact on society.

Expressing concern over the daily filing of protection petitions, the Court questioned both the State and legal aid counsel about the possibility of creating a mechanism to manage the surge. The Court noted that couples were resorting to the High Court for protection immediately after getting married. This initiative stemmed from a habeas corpus plea filed by a same-sex partner seeking protection from her partner’s family, who allegedly detained her and opposed their same-sex relationship.

The petitioner raised fears that the family might coerce her into an unwanted marriage or cause her physical harm. Previously, the Court had questioned the legality of parents allegedly holding their own daughter in custody, especially as the alleged detenu was a minor according to school records. The Court allowed the parents to take custody with the assurance of no harm. Additionally, discrepancies in Aadhar Cards—one reflecting the alleged detenu as a major and the other as a minor—prompted the Court to observe a potential attempt to mislead. In response to the Court’s direction, the UIDAI submitted documents in a sealed cover to clarify the Aadhar card discrepancies. Justice Moudgil stated that the information did not require sealing and could be shared with the petitioner and the Amicus Curiae.