Protection to couple in live-in-relationship refused by court since the woman was married: Rajasthan High Court
The High Court of Rajasthan, through learned judge, Justice Sathish Kumar Sharma in the case Maya Devi v. State of Rajasthan (S.B. Criminal Miscellaneous (Petition) No. 3314/2021) refused to grant protection to a couple in live-in-relationship since the woman was already married.
BRIEF FACTS OF THE CASE: This petition was filed under Section 482 Cr.P.C. for protection of life and personal liberty of the petitioner and her live-in-partner. The petitioner was a married lady but she was compelled to leave her matrimonial house.She was living with her live-in partner, Petitioner No.2. The private respondents and others were not happy with their relation and they were threatening the petitioners. Given that their life and liberty is in danger, the petitioners prayed that police protection be granted to them.
JUDGEMENT: The court heard the contentions raised by both the parties and remarked that it was a well settled legal position as expounded by the Division Bench of Hon’ble Allahabad High Court in Smt. Aneeta & Anr. Vs. State of U.P. & Ors. (Writ C.No.14443/2021) that live-in relationships cannot be at the cost of the social fabric of this country, and observed that directing the police to grant protection may indirectly give our assent to such illicit relations. The court rejected the prayer for granting police protection. The court further remarked that in case any offence is committed, the petitioners are at liberty to lodge an FIR in the concerned police station or may take available legal recourse if required. With this observation, the petition was dismissed.
JUDGEMENT REVIEWED BY – AMRUTHA K