'No Imminent Threat': Rajasthan High Court Directs SP To Consider Postgraduate Woman's Protection Plea

Being a resident of Ganganagar, the petitioner is presently residing as a paying guest at Jodhpur and wants to continue her study. In this regard, she prayed for adequate police protection from her parents.

The court opined that there is no specific instance or imminent threat to the petitioner and if the petitioner is having any apprehension or threat perception about her life and liberty from her parents, she may move appropriate representation before the Superintendent of Police, Jodhpur (East) indicating her concern

Justice Dinesh Mehta, while disposing of the criminal miscellaneous petition, observed,

"Though no specific instance or imminent threat has been pleaded but considering the submissions made by learned counsel for the petitioner and having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is of the opinion that if the petitioner is having any apprehension or threat perception about her life and liberty from her parents, she may move appropriate representation before the Superintendent of Police, Jodhpur (East) indicating her concern."

Notably, the court stated that if any such representation is moved by the petitioner, the Superintendent of Police, Jodhpur (East) shall consider the same in accordance with law and ensure that the petitioner may not be unnecessarily harassed by her parents.

Further, the court asked the petitioner to intimate her parents and Superintendent of Police, Jodhpur (East) about her residence.

Adv. Ratish Bhatnagar appeared on behalf of the petitioner while PP Mahipal Bishnoi appeared on behalf of the respondent-state.

Case Title: Manisha Khator v. State of Rajasthan

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Raj) 148