The Supreme Court today disposed of a plea filed for the protection of a young runaway couple, after noting that the petitioners had approached the Delhi High Court pursuant to its earlier suggestion and that the High Court had already taken cognizance of the matter.

The case was initially mentioned before a Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi under Article 32, where the couple alleged threats from the woman’s family after leaving their homes and travelling to Delhi. While acknowledging the seriousness of the concerns, the Court had declined to grant immediate protection and directed the petitioners to approach the jurisdictional High Court.

Also read- Supreme Court Declines Immediate Protection to Runaway Couple; Directs Petitioner to Approach Delhi HC https://thebarbulletin.com/supreme-court-declines-protection-runaway-couple-delhi-hc/

The petitioner had also flagged the recurring nature of such cases and the absence of a structured mechanism to deal with them. When the matter was taken up again today, counsel informed the Court that the Delhi High Court had constituted a special bench and initiated steps on the issue, including engaging state authorities, considering counselling measures for parents, and ensuring interim protection through local police deployment.

Recording these developments, the Supreme Court disposed of the proceedings and allowed the petition to be withdrawn.

“In this view of the matter, the petition is disposed of at this stage, with liberty to the petitioners or any other person to approach this Court at an appropriate stage.”

The Court also appreciated the petitioners for following the appropriate legal course and expressed confidence that the High Court would address both the immediate concerns and the broader issues involved.