Court orders police protection for inter-caste couple

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court has directed the CP to provide security to an inter-caste couple and their family until the next hearing on April 1. The court also issued notices to the state government and the police commissioner.

The directive came during a preliminary hearing on a criminal petition filed by the couple seeking police protection. The court emphasized that while all aspects of the case must be examined thoroughly, the petitioners, as Indian citizens, deserve temporary protection. However, it clarified that the government would not bear the cost of long-term security.

What’s the case?

The inter-caste couple stated in their petition that they got married on February 17, after the woman converted to Buddhism. They submitted conversion and marriage certificates to the court. Meanwhile, the woman’s family filed a missing complaint, despite her having informed the police inspector and the commissioner via post that she was an adult and had married of her own free will. These documents were also submitted to the court.

Plea for protection During the hearing, Advocate M.P. Gandale argued that after the marriage, the woman's family and police repeatedly contacted the couple, making them fear for their safety. The petitioners requested police protection. Advocates Siddharth Paikrao and Someshwar Mundik assisted in the case.