'Police Duty-Bound to Protect Threatened Couples': Allahabad High Court Directs Strict Compliance with UP’s 2019 Order

The Allahabad High Court recently observed that state authorities are bound to follow the government order of August 31, 2019 framed to safeguard couples facing threats over their marriage or consensual relationships.

Court emphasised that the directions contained in the government order are mandatory and must be complied with in letter and spirit by all concerned officials while dealing with complaints relating to threat perception and protection.

Court disposed of a writ petition filed by a young Muslim couple seeking protection from alleged threats by the woman’s father after their marriage against familial wishes.

The couple alleged that the woman’s father was harassing and threatening them due to the age difference between them and a suspicion regarding the man’s previous marital status. They sought protection of their life and liberty and a direction to the authorities to ensure that their peaceful marital life was not disturbed.

On instructions, the state informed the court that this was the first marriage for both individuals.

The bench of Justice Garima Prashad took note of the growing number of cases in which young couples approach it seeking protection from familial opposition and referred to earlier directions issued in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment in Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India (2018), which dealt with honour-based threats and violence.

Pursuant to those directions, the state government had issued the government order dated August 31, 2019, mandating that police authorities assess threat perception in each case and provide necessary protection, including safe accommodation depending on the gravity of the situation. The order also requires district authorities to conduct a preliminary inquiry into complaints of threats arising out of inter-caste, inter-religious or otherwise opposed marriages, and to act with sensitivity.

Court reiterated that these directions are binding on all authorities and must be strictly complied with. It was submitted on behalf of the couple that after interim protection was granted earlier, there was no longer any immediate threat from the woman’s father.

In view of this submission, court disposed of the plea. However, it clarified that if any genuine and serious threat to the couple’s life or liberty arises in the future, they may approach the police authorities, who are duty-bound to assess the threat and provide appropriate protection strictly in accordance with the government order and the law laid down by the Supreme Court.

Court also clarified that it had not adjudicated upon the validity of the marriage and had not examined or expressed any opinion on allegations of enticement, coercion or any other criminal accusations, leaving it open to the authorities to act in accordance with law if required.

Case Title: Smt. Samiya And Another vs. State Of U.P. And 3 Others

Order Date: February 3, 2026

Bench: Justice Garima Prashad