Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court has directed the Panchmahal district superintendent of police to provide protection to an interfaith couple and their relatives, and to move them to a safe house if the threat to their lives continues.
On Sept 22, the couple submitted an application to Godhra SP, seeking protection from threats allegedly issued by the woman’s family and community members.
“If necessary, they may also be shifted to a safe house, either within the same district or elsewhere, keeping in mind their safety and the threats perceived by them,” the court said. They also informed police that the man’s family members had received death threats. After failing to secure support, the couple approached the high court, seeking directions to police to protect them and their relatives. They submitted their marriage registration certificate to establish the legality of their relationship. Justice M K Thakker referred to two Supreme Court rulings concerning similar cases, including those involving honour killings. The court asked the couple to send their application to the superintendent of police and directed the officer to ensure their whereabouts were kept confidential. The high court directed the SP to take all necessary measures to provide adequate security to the couple and their relatives.
The case involves a woman from the Rathva community and a Muslim man who registered their marriage on July 2, 2025. The couple kept the marriage secret for nearly a year, but after the woman’s family came to know of it, the duo was allegedly threatened and forced to separate. They have been on the run since.