Minor Live-in Relationship Warrants Protection: High Court Allowed
In a noteworthy judgment, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has ruled that an adult and a minor involved in a live-in relationship deserve protection under law. Presiding Justice Kuldeep Tiwari observed, “the facts of the petition in hand are similar to one noticed in the judgment rendered in the case of P…… Minor Through Vikram,” thereby disposing of the case in terms of the judgment dated 28.03.2022.
The petitioners approached the Court under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, pleading for directions to protect their lives and liberty. They also sought to restrain private respondents from interfering in their relationship.
The counsel for the petitioners emphasized that petitioner no. 1 is 25 years old while petitioner no. 2 is a minor, supporting this argument by referring to the Aadhar Cards of both petitioners. In a bid to lend more weight to their request for protection, the counsel cited prior judgments of the High Court, particularly the case of P…… Minor Through Vikram, which laid down directives for the involvement of the Child Welfare Committee in cases where minors are part of live-in relationships.
Justice Tiwari responded by referring to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2015. The Court directed the Child Welfare Committee to conduct the necessary inquiries and also urged the concerned Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the petitioners.
This judgment underlines the Court’s growing focus on safeguarding personal liberties, even in complex cases involving adults and minors in relationships. It also signifies the importance of previously decided legal precedents in shaping current judicial outcomes.
The case has been disposed of, but its ramifications are sure to be felt in subsequent judgments involving similar circumstances.
Date of Decision: 26 October 2023
SANDEEP SINGH AND ANOTHER VS STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS
