Minor in live-in relationship can't seek police protection: Punjab and Haryana HC

On August 3, the Punjab and Haryana high court ruled against a 16-year-old girl and her adult partner's request for police protection in their live-in relationship. The court held that minors in such relationships are not eligible for protection. The girl and the man, who was an adult, claimed they feared for their safety due to threats from the girl's family, who wanted her to marry someone else.

When they informed their families about their relationship, the girl's parents allegedly forced her to choose another partner, leading to physical abuse and death threats. The couple sought police protection, but the court dismissed their plea, stating that granting protection to minors in live-in relationships would implicitly approve of such arrangements, which are prohibited by law.

The court emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of children and prevent exploitation, warning that extending protection to minors in these situations would contradict the legal framework designed to safeguard them.