Bombay HC Steps In To Protect Hindu-Muslim Couple, Directs Safe House Amid Threats
The Bombay High Court intervened to protect a Hindu-Muslim couple from Mumbai who were facing threats from their families a day after the Maharashtra State government's home department issued a circular announcing the establishment of safe houses for interfaith and inter-caste couples across the state.
The couple, both 23 years old, had met as college batchmates in 2021 and developed a relationship. However, when the Hindu man expressed his intention to marry the Muslim woman, both faced violent threats from their families. As a result, the woman had to quit her job, and the couple fled their homes to seek safety. They had applied for marriage registration earlier that week, but due to continuing threats from their families, they sought the Court’s protection.
The Division Bench of Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice P.K. Chavan directed the State to provide the couple with accommodation in a safe house of their choice in the suburbs of Mumbai.
The Court noted, “Learned A.P.P Mrs. Shinde assures that the said safe house would be made available to the petitioners before 6:00 p.m today. Statement accepted. 8 We are also informed that there is a police guard at the safe house to prevent any untoward incident. We, however, direct the concerned police station in that jurisdiction to provide an additional guard at the said safe house, till the petitioners continue to live in the said safe house. The said guard will be provided from today.”
Previously, during a hearing in a similar case involving another interfaith couple, the Bombay High Court had suggested that the State explore using rooms in state guest houses across districts as potential safe houses.
Senior Advocate representing the petitioners, had pointed out that the State had not provided any concrete details regarding the establishment of these safe houses and special cells. In response, the Court had directed the State to submit more information, leading to the issuance of a circular on December 18 detailing the locations of the special cells and safe houses across Maharashtra.
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for January 6.
Cause Title: ABC & Anr. v. The State of Maharashtra & Ors.
Appearance:
Petitioners: Senior Advocate Mihir Desai, along with advocates Lara Jesani and Rishika Agarwal
Respondent: Additional Public Prosecutor P.P. Shinde