IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH Criminal Misc M- 11937 of 2009 Date of decision: 1.5.2009 Beby @ Baby …Petitioner Versus State of Punjab and ors …Respondents Present: Ms Poonam Sharma, Advocate for the petitioner. S.S.SARON, J. It is submitted that the petitioner has solemnized her marriage with Jaspal Singh son of Amar Singh resident of Village Saido Lehal, Tehsil Baba Bakala, District Amritsar on 18.3.2009. The marriage was solemnized in a simple ceremony at Chandigarh at Sivananda Divine Mission (Gurukul) Regd, Industrial Area, Ph – I, Chandigarh. The certificate dated 18.3.2009 (P2) issued by the said Mission regarding the solemnization of the marriage between the petitioner and her husband – Jaspal Singh has been placed on record. The husband of the petitioner, it is stated, is serving in the Army and has joined his Unit at Bangalore. On account of the marriage that has been solemnized by the petitioner with Jaspal Singh, she apprehends danger from her brother (respondent-3) and her brother-in-law (Jija) (respondent-4). The petitioner and her husband belong to the same caste but since their houses are located in the same village, the relations of the petitioners are against the marriage. Respondents-3 and 4 have convened a Panchayat regarding this marriage. The petitioner apprehends that they are going to take harsh Cr Misc M- 11937 of 2009 2 decision on the lines of ‘Khap Panchayat’. The husband of the petitioner, it is stated, is posted at far off place and , therefore, she cannot join his company immediately. It is submitted that the petitioner is major. Her date of birth is 1.9.1981 and she is aged more than 28 years. The date of birth of Jaspal Singh – her husband is 15.3.1979 and is aged more than 30 years. The photographs (P3) as regards the solemnization of the marriage have been placed on record. On account of threat, the petitioner has also submitted an application dated 29.4.2009 (P4) to respondents-1 and 2. However, despite the said application, the threat persists and thus the petitioner has approached this Court. The petitioner is present in person and is identified by her counsel. It is stated by the petitioner that she has solemnized her marriage with Jaspal Singh with her own free will and desire and without any kind of pressure or undue influence. Besides, she is happy with the marriage. It is also stated that she is unable to join the company of her husband immediately as he is posted in the Army at Bangalore. In view of the above, this petition is disposed of with a direction to respondents-1 and 2 that in case the petitioner approaches any of them setting out her grievances as have been stated herein, her request shall be considered and looked into by them independently and in accordance with law. 1.5.2009 ( S.S.SARON ) ASR Judge