Will protect runaway couples: Punjab to HC

The Punjab government has said that it would deal sternly with parents and relatives who threaten runaway couples and create law and order problems....

The Punjab government has said that it would deal sternly with parents and relatives who threaten runaway couples and create law and order problems. The state has also decided to provide protection centres and security to such couples at a reasonable cost for a period of six weeks after marriage.

Appreciating the steps taken to protect couples who marry against the wishes of their parents,the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday took on record an affidavit of the state in this respect.

Produced by Additional Advocate General (AAG),Punjab Rupinder S Khosla,the affidavit is filed by Samir Kumar,Secretary to Government of Punjab,Department of Home Affairs and Justice,Punjab.

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A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal and Justice Ajay Tewari has directed the states of Punjab and Haryana in English and Punjabi (Gurmukhi) to circulate their respective guidelines in all police stations and paste the same at conspicuous places.

On the other hand,the conduct of the Haryana government came under scanner for contemplating to open protection centres (safe houses) for over a year. The state has been asked to explain as to what is the progress with regard to opening of protection homes for couples,an undertaking given by the state on August 31,2009.

Meanwhile,the Bench asked senior standing counsel for UT Administration Sanjay Kaushal to identify places in the city that can serve as temporary shelters for runaway couples.

The Punjab government,in the affidavit,has also submitted that the matter regarding compulsory registration of all marriages is under active consideration of the government.