Delhi HC Seeks Police Report on Interfaith Couple’s Plea Alleging Forced Separation
Court directed DCP to file a verified report on an interfaith couple's plea alleging police separated them after they sought protection;
The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to submit a report on a plea filed by an interfaith couple, alleging that they were forcibly separated by the police after approaching authorities for protection.
Justice Sanjeev Narula passed the order while dealing with a case involving the petitioner, Mohammad Shahnoor Mansoori, a Muslim man, who had approached the court seeking police protection and accommodation in a safe house for himself and his partner, a Hindu woman, citing threats due to their interfaith relationship.
In its order, the Court said, “Having regard to the aforenoted facts, this Court directs the concerned DCP to file a Status Report, personally verified by him, detailing the circumstances surrounding the events of 23rd and 24th July, 2025, including the action taken on the Petitioner’s complaint."
It added that the said DCP shall personally inquire into the matter and get in touch with the woman at Nirmal Chhaya Shelter Home, where she was kept by the police after the alleged separation.
“He shall ascertain her safety and record her wishes, specifically whether she seeks to remain in the company of the Petitioner. If she confirms the same, appropriate arrangements shall be made to relocate both the Petitioner and the woman to a designated Safe House today itself, in accordance with the Delhi Police SOP,” the Court added.
It was submitted that the petitioner has been in a consensual relationship with the woman since 2018, and that both individuals intended to solemnise their marriage under the provisions of the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Noting that it is an interfaith marriage, the petitioner submitted that they apprehend familial opposition and potential threats to their safety. In light of these concerns, a formal complaint was lodged with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East District) on 23rd July, 2025, requesting police protection in accordance with the Delhi Police Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Safe Houses and Special Cells for Couples of Inter-Caste / Faith Marriages.
Instead of facilitating protection, the police allegedly separated the couple. On July 24, 2025, the woman was subjected to a medical examination and detained at Nirmal Chhaya Shelter Home, without access to her phone or the petitioner, despite her recorded requests to remain with him.
"Such conduct, prima facie, amounts to a violation of the fundamental rights of both the Petitioner and the woman, particularly their right to liberty, dignity, and to make autonomous decisions concerning marriage, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution," the petitioner contended.
The matter will next be heard on 8th August, 2025.
Case Title: Mohammad Shahnoor Mansoori v. State of Delhi through Commissioner of Police & Anr.
Order Date: 25th July 2025
Bench: Justice Sanjeev Narula