Delhi HC Grants Police Protection to Same-Sex Interfaith Couple Facing Threats

The Delhi High Court on Friday granted police protection to a same-sex interfaith couple (petitioners) apprehending threats from the family members of one of the petitioners.

Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar ordered the local Station House Officer and beat constable to provide their contact information to the couple. They were instructed to respond promptly in case the couple made a distress call.

Further, the Court also stated that if the couple decides to rent a place within the jurisdiction of another police station, the SHO must inform the authorities in that area while providing them with the couple’s address, ensuring that they receive the necessary protection.

Advocate Arundhati Katju represented the couple and mentioned that both are women.

Both individuals are above 18 years of age and wish to live together. However, they are facing threats from the Hindu girl’s family members, Katju stated.

According to the petitioners, the family of the Hindu girl is opposed to their relationship and attempted to marry her off against her wishes. The girl was forcibly taken to Uttar Pradesh but was eventually rescued with the intervention of the Delhi Commission for Women.

The family has also accused the Muslim girl of conversion.

Currently, the couple is residing at a shelter home in Delhi.