Bombay High Court steps in to protect Hindu-Muslim couple a day after State notifies safe houses

A day after the Maharashtra State government's home department issued a circular notifying safe houses for interfaith and inter-caste couples across districts, the Bombay High Court intervened to protect a Hindu-Muslim couple from Mumbai facing threats from their families..A Bench of Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice P K Chavan instructed the State to provide the couple with a safe house of their choice in the suburbs of Mumbai."Now that you have created safe houses, give them a safe house," the Court said..The couple, both aged 23, had entered into relationship in 2021 after meeting as college batchmates.When the Hindu man expressed his intention to marry the Muslim woman, both faced violent threats from their families. As a result, the woman left her job and the couple fled their homes. They applied for marriage registration earlier this week. However, due to ongoing threats from their families, they sought the Court's assistance for protection..The Court after considering the couple's petition, directed the State police to house them in a safe house by evening. Additionally, the court instructed the police to review an application submitted by the man for police protection within 48 hours to ensure his safe commute to work.Since most safe houses are only guarded by a single constable, the Court further ordered that local police should provide additional security for the couple's safety while they stay there..Earlier, during a hearing in a similar case involving another interfaith couple, the Bombay High Court had suggested that the State consider using rooms in state guest houses across districts as safe houses.The petitioner's counsel, Senior Advocate Mihir Desai, had then pointed out that the State had not provided details on the establishment of these safe houses and special cells.The Court had then directed the State to submit this information. In response, a circular was issued on December 18 listing the details of special cells and safe houses across Maharashtra. .Despite the State's actions, the petitioner today objected, arguing that her suggestions for the standard operating procedure (SOP) from Chandigarh and Delhi had not been considered. In response, the court sharply remarked, "Don’t give examples of Chandigarh and Delhi... They have Khap panchayats. We don’t have Khap panchayats. These things must be done based on the social context and circumstances of our society.".The court will hear the petition next on January 6..Senior Advocate Mihir Desai along with advocates Lara Jesani and Rishika Agarwal appeared for the petitionersAdditional Public Prosecutor PP Shinde appeared for the State..[Read Order]