High Court shields interfaith couple from Jharkhand

The Kerala High Court has directed state police to provide protection to an interfaith couple from Jharkhand who fled their home state due to threats from their families. Justice C.S. Dias issued the interim order in response to a petition filed by Asha Verma and Mohammad Galib, residents of Ramgarh district, Jharkhand. The court instructed the Station House Officer of Kayamkulam police station in Alappuzha district to ensure the couple's safety and prevent any attempts to repatriate them during the pendency of the writ petition.
Verma and Galib, who had been in a relationship for a decade, left Jharkhand fearing for their lives due to persistent threats, including the risk of honor killing. They arrived in Kerala on February 2 and solemnized their marriage on February 11 according to Islamic rites in Kayamkulam. The couple presented their marriage certificate, issued by the Secretary of the Markazul-Uma-Hath committee, as evidence of their union.
In their petition, the couple emphasized their constitutional right to reside anywhere in the country and to marry freely. However, they alleged that on February 14, Verma's sister, accompanied by Rohit, a police officer from Rajrappa Police Station in Jharkhand, visited Kerala and threatened her. Verma was reportedly warned that she would be forcibly taken back to Jharkhand unless she declared that Galib had abducted her.
Following this incident, the couple expressed concerns that their family members, in collaboration with certain organizations and groups in Jharkhand, might attempt another forcible repatriation. Fearing for her safety, Verma filed a written complaint with the Kerala police, stating that she feared for her life.
The petitioners further alleged that police officials from Jharkhand have been frequently patrolling their residence, with the Kayamkulam police assisting them. Despite Verma clearly stating that she left Jharkhand of her own free will, her family members and the Jharkhand police continue to interfere in her personal life, believing that she was abducted.
Advocate Akhil Raj B, representing the couple, stated that they had approached the court seeking protection from unwanted interference by Verma's family. He highlighted that the couple had been facing threats of honor killing in Jharkhand, prompting their relocation to Kerala. The advocate noted that the court granted an interim order ensuring the couple cannot be taken back to Jharkhand until a full hearing is conducted. The case is scheduled for further proceedings next month.
This case underscores the challenges faced by interfaith couples in India, where societal and familial pressures often infringe upon personal freedoms. The court's intervention highlights the judiciary's role in upholding constitutional rights against societal prejudices.
The High Court has sought the state government's view on the matter, indicating the seriousness with which it is approaching the case. The court's directive aims to ensure that the couple can live without fear of coercion or violence, reinforcing the fundamental right of individuals to choose their partners and reside in a place of their choosing.
The couple's plight has also drawn attention to the role of law enforcement agencies in such matters. The alleged involvement of Jharkhand police officials in attempting to repatriate Verma raises questions about the misuse of authority and the importance of protecting individual rights against unlawful interference. Open URL