Delhi HC orders police protection for lesbian couple who fear for their life

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (March 10) ordered the Police to provide protection to a lesbian woman, who was married against her wishes, from her family members and in-laws.

The lesbian couple approached the high court following the Supreme Court’s recent path-breaking judgement which held that consensual sex among adult homosexuals is not a crime.

The two women, aged 20 and 21, said they apprehend threat to life, liberty and security for their respective parents as they have been in a romantic relationship for around one-and-a half year and wish to live together as a same-sex couple.

 In the petition filed through advocate Saurabh Chauhan, the women said they informed their parents about their relationship and desire to live together as a couple a few days after the Supreme Court’s September 6 verdict. They said their closeness was disapproved by their parents who asked them to separate due to which they have fled from their native place in Rajasthan and have come to reside in Delhi.

The plea revealed that the woman was forcibly married against her will to a man on October 12, 2019. The plea was filed by the petitioner with the help of an NGO, Act Now for Harmony and Democracy (ANHAD) later on.

Justice Mukta Gupta directed the Delhi Police to ensure that the petitioner is provided complete protection, and that no NGO members are harassed or harmed for helping the woman.

The petitioner was represented by advocate Vrinda Grover, while Delhi Police were represented by standing counsel Rahul Mehra. The matter will be heard next on March 25.