HC grants protection to Muslim girl who converted to Hinduism for marriage

Read Judgement: Rajina @ Jyoti and another v. State of Punjab and others  

LE Staff

Chandigarh, July 5, 2021: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted protection to a newly wed woman, who converted from Islam to Hinduism for marriage, and to her Hindu husband against the threat perception from their relatives.

The couple, who hails from Punjab’s Sangrur district, approached the High Court seeking issuance of a direction to the state police to protect their lives and liberty as they apprehend a threat to the same since they got married against the wishes of their families.

The couple submitted that the woman petitioner, who was Muslim by religion, converted to Hinduism and has subsequently married the male Hindu petitioner.

Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill directed the Punjab Police to “expeditiously” look into the representation made by the couple and provide security if it is found that there is threat to their safety. 

“Without commenting as regards the veracity of the averments made in the petition and also as regards the validity of alleged marriage of the petitioners, the petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, Sangrur, District Sangrur, Punjab to look into the matter and to dispose off the representation… in accordance with law.

“In case, it is found that there is a genuine threat to the lives and liberty of the petitioners, then necessary steps warranted under law be taken thereupon at the earliest so as to ensure that no harm is caused to the petitioners,” the court ruled

The judge, however, added “It is, however, clarified that the aforesaid order shall not be taken to be any expression as regards the validity of marriage of the petitioners and shall not confer any immunity upon the petitioners, in case it is found that they have committed any wrong”.