Working Mechanism Proposed For Assessing Threat Perception & Offering Protection To Runaway Couples In 72 Hours: Punjab Govt Tells High Court

"A working mechanism is proposed whereby within 24 hours of receiving of the grievances, the same would be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner who with the help of the Committee or the SSP concerned assess the threat perception within 48 hours and do the needful immediately thereafter," Advocate General of Punjab told the Single Bench of Justice Avneesh Jhingan.

The development comes in the case of Lovepreet Kaur & Anr v. State of Punjab & Ors., whereby the High Court called upon the executive authorities to take the responsibility of offering protection to the lives of such couples, so that burden on Courts is reduced.

"The entire endeavour of the exercise is that some sort of workable mechanism is put in motion to ensure the protection of life and personal liberty as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Further that only in exceptional cases, the couples have to take trouble to approach this Court alleging infringement of the rights," the High Court had observed.

It had also proposed certain suggestions, for consideration by higher authorities of the State.

Now, the Punjab Government has informed the Court that a State Level Grievance Redressal Portal is already in place and it proposes to introduce a new tab, specifically for assistance of the couples seeking protection.

The State further mentioned that the scope of 24x7 two help line numbers would be expanded to include the couples who apprehend threat due to marrying against the wishes of the parents or the society.

"If the inputs are implemented in its letter and spirit at the ground level, it would be a great help in such cases… it is expected that the State of Punjab would go ahead for implementation of the steps suggested in the input report." Justice Jhingan observed while directing that a copy of Punjab Government's input report be supplied to the counsels for Haryana and Chandigarh.

He has also sought for reports from the Governments of Haryana and Chandigarh by May 27.

Case Title: Lovepreet Kaur & Anr v. State of Punjab & Ors.

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order