Delhi HC Protects Interfaith Couple Till Marriage After Alleged Separation by Police
The Delhi High Court on Friday, August 8, 2025, granted protection to an interfaith couple, alleging that they were forcibly separated by the police after approaching authorities for protection.
Justice Sanjeev Narula was 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.
During the hearing today, Justice Narula recorded the woman’s statement, wherein she confirmed her intention to marry the petitioner.
Justice Sanjeev Narula, therefore, directed the police to provide protection to the couple till the time they enter into a matrimonial alliance and ordered:
"The respondent shall ensure protection to the petitioner and Mr. X till the time they enter into a matrimonial alliance, for which they have already applied under the Special Marriage Act.
They shall be provided a safe house, especially if there is any threat perception. Such threat assessment must be done periodically in compliance with the Supreme Court directions in Shakti Vahini vs Union of India.
In case of any coercive action taken by any family member of Mr. X, if reported to the police, it shall be recorded, and due protection must be provided."
While disposing of the petition, the Court noted that the woman, in an affidavit, claimed she was separated from her partner and was taken to a women’s shelter home when she had approached the police for protection.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), however, reported that there was no element of coercion or unlawful separation, which, according to the court, was contrary to the woman’s statement.
Accordingly, the judge directed the DCP to submit a report on whether any unlawful separation had occurred.
The matter has been listed for consideration of the said report.
On 26 July, the High Court directed the DCP to submit a report on a plea filed by an interfaith couple. 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.
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 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 repeated requests to remain with her partner.
The Court had said,"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.
Case Title: Mohammad Shahnoor Mansoori v. State of Delhi through Commissioner of Police & Anr.
Order Date: 8 August 2025
Bench: Justice Sanjeev Narula