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The Punjab and Haryana High Court in a recent order directed police protection to a couple who are in a live in relationship. 

The Court was hearing a petition filed by a couple who feared for their lives and liberty at the hands of the private respondents, approached the Court seeking protection through the State. 

Justice Anoop Chitkara while granting prayer the prayer for their protection said that though times are changing fast many are still stuck behind in old ethos and conservative social orders.

"The times are changing fast, even in those lands that were left behind and stuck with the old ethos and conservative social milieu. We are governed by the rule of law and follow the Constitutional dharma. In the ever-evolving society, evolving the law with it, the time is to shift perspective from didactics of the orthodox society, shackled with the strong strings of morality supported by religions to one that values an individual’s life above all. Every person in the territory of India has an inherent and indefeasible fundamental right to life flowing from Article 21 of India’s constitution andthe State is duty bound to protect life"

The Court noted that if apprehension of threat to their lives turn out to be true, it might lead to an irreversible loss, hence granted police protection for a week. However, if the petitioners no longer require the protection, then at their request it may be discontinued even before the expiry of one week. After that, the concerned officers shall extend the protection on day-to-day analysis of the ground realities or upon the oral or written request of the petitioners, the Court stated. 

Case Title: Name Withheld V. State of Punjab and others