A couple sought police protection against relatives after producing a marriage certificate and age documents and appearing before the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
Judge / Bench — Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Sindhu Sharma, Judge
Recognising the liberty of adults to marry by choice, the Court noted that they had not properly approached the official respondents first. It disposed of the petition by requiring the police to examine their grievance when approached and provide necessary protection if majority and free consent were established. The Court expressly reserved any opinion on the marriage’s validity and left the police free to assess the available material. The order therefore secures an avenue for protection rather than certifying marital status. Counsel should distinguish verification and a threat assessment from a substantive declaration concerning marriage.
Case — Monika Devi and another v. Union Territory of J&K and others · WP(C) No. 3276/2026 · 2026-10-13 · Jammu wing
Advocates appearing — Petitioners — Mr. Muneet Singh, Advocate; both petitioners were also present and identified by counsel. Respondents — Ms. Nisha Kangotra, Advocate, vice Mrs. Monika Kohli, Sr. AAG.