The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has instructed police authorities to ensure round-the-clock protection for a woman who said she fears being forcibly married and taken away against her will.
The direction came after the woman told the court that a man’s family had allegedly issued threats and was attempting to coerce her into marriage. The court made it clear that she must not be subjected to harm of any kind linked to these allegations.
Specific instructions were issued to senior police officials in Poonch district, with an emphasis on immediate action if the woman reports intimidation or harassment. The court said that any complaint raised by her must be promptly examined, and her safety secured without delay.
The case traces back to 2023, when the woman first approached the court through her elder sister. At the time, she was a minor, aged 17, and sought protection from what she described as mounting pressure and threats.
With its order, the court underscored that personal liberty and consent cannot be overridden by force, and that the responsibility to prevent such harm lies squarely with law enforcement.
