Shouldn't Abuse Process Of Law: Punjab & Haryana HC Imposes Cost On Married Teacher Seeking Protection Of Live-In Relationship With Student

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed a cost of Rs. 50,000 as a "deterrent" on a married maths teacher seeking protection of his live-in relationship with a 19 year old student.

Justice Alok Jain said, "...a perusal of the petition shows that petitioner No.2 is a married man and a Math's teacher and apparently petitioner No. is a student. Such kind of petitions deserves to be dealt with strictly, although counsel for the petitioner outrightly prays for withdrawal of the present petition, the same is dismissed as withdrawn with cost of Rs.50,000/- on petitioner No.2 as a deterrent that the teacher, who impart education does not abuse the process of law."

The Court was hearing the protection petition under Article 226 filed by a teacher-student couple wherein the man who was already married and had a child, was a teacher of the 19 years old girl.

The petition stated that they have developed intimacy and are now in a live-in relationship and apprehending threat from the girl's family members.

After examining the petition, the Court imposed the cost as a deterrent and directed that the amount be deposited with High Court Bar Association Lawyer's Family Welfare Fund.

The High Court had previously observed that living together with another woman, without dissolving the marriage from earlier spouse may amount to offence of bigamy under Sections 494, 495 of the IPC.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (PH) 14

Sarfaraj Anjum Mor, Advocate for the petitioners.

Anmol Malik, DAG, Haryana.

Case: X v. State of Haryana & Ors.