The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Police to extend protection to a couple who married after eloping, despite facing threats from the woman’s family. The case, Prince Tyagi and Anr vs State of NCT of Delhi and Ors, was heard by Justice Sanjeev Narula.
Justice Narula emphasized that family disapproval cannot restrict the rights of two consenting adults to choose each other as life partners, a right safeguarded under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Article 21 Protects Autonomy and Personal Liberty
In his ruling, Justice Narula highlighted that the right of two adults to marry and live together in peace forms part of their personal liberty, privacy, and dignity under Article 21. He reiterated that the Supreme Court has consistently upheld this principle, instructing police authorities to ensure protection for such couples against intimidation or harm.
Couple Approached Court Over Threats
The married couple sought protection from the Court after receiving life threats through phone calls, video calls, and messages from the woman’s family members. The family had also lodged a missing person complaint, which was later found to be false after police confirmed that the woman had voluntarily left her parental home to marry.
Court Directs Delhi Police to Ensure Security
Taking note of the couple’s apprehensions, the Court instructed the Delhi Police to designate a beat officer to oversee the couple’s safety, provide them with the officer’s mobile number and the station’s 24×7 helpline, promptly record any complaints and extend immediate assistance. The Court also directed that proper coordination be maintained between the investigating officer and the couple’s counsel regarding their residence and contact details.
The order, passed on August 5, 2025, reinforces the judiciary’s stance on protecting individual rights in cases of inter-family disputes over marriage.
Representation in Court
Appearing for the couple were Advocates Anjaneya Mishra, Nidish Gupta, Sahil, and Abhishek Shukla, while the State was represented by Special Counsel Rahul Tyagi along with Advocates Sangeet Sibou, Priyansh Raj Singh Senger, and Aniket Kumar Singh.
This judgment serves as a reminder that the Constitution protects the freedom of consenting adults to marry without fear of persecution. The Delhi High Court’s directive ensures that the couple’s right to life and liberty is preserved, setting an important precedent for similar cases where families oppose marital choices.
