Amid the brewing “love-jihad” issue gaining pace in the country, an interfaith couple got police protection upon the intervention of Punjab-Haryana High Court.
A Muslim man from Haryana’s Yamunanagar married a Hindu woman after converting to her religion.
The couple had approached the High court and sought security as they allegedly faced life-threats from the girl’s family.
The duo, 21-year-old man and 19-year-old woman, tied the knot on November 9 following the Hindu ceremony. The man also changed his name, said Kamaldeep Goyal, Yamunanagar Superintendent of Police.
Furthering their allegations, the couple also deliberated that their personal liberty was being infringed, a fundamental right provided under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The development comes at a time when the Haryana government formed a three-member committee to draft laws against “love jihad”.
Saying the state will take strict measures, home minister Anil Vij tweeted “anyone can marry anyone, anyone can fall in love with anyone. But if there is a conspiracy for changing religion by trapping someone in love, then is it very important to stop that conspiracy”.
In pursuance of the court’s order, the police have lodged the couple under home protection. The alleged threat perception will be evaluated by the officers and further action will be taken accordingly.