Kerala HC Orders Police To Protect Lesbian Couple

With the growing acceptance for the queer community in society, the family still fails to accept and support queer relationships. When queer couples are traumatised by family, it leads to taking drastic decisions by the queer couples. A lesbian couple from Kondotty, Kerala, eloped on January 27 to live together. However, the conflict went to court, and the couple asked for protection from the family. 

Kerala High Court ordered Police protection for the lesbian couple identified as Sumayya Sherin and Afeefa C S. The court allowed the couple to live together irrespective of their parents' will. However, Afeefa's parents took her back forcefully and admitted her to the hospital, claiming she was mentally ill. On this, Sherin filed a habeas corpus petition, she also feared that Afeefa would be subjected to conversion therapy. Sherin was also detained by her family as well. 

Court On Kerala Lesbian Couple

Earlier, the court closed the petition, knowing that Afeefa willingly agreed to go with her parents, accepting she was in a relationship with Sherin. However, in the recent case hearing, the couple stated that Afeefa only agreed to go with her parents because she was heavily drugged and afraid to be separated from her partner. 

The couple lived in fear and did not tell the truth to the court due to threats by the family. So, approached the court for protection from their own parents and relatives. Upon the order of the Kerala High Court, Police with the women’s protection cell together will protect the couple. The case is due to be heard again on July 21, 2023. 

Several rules are implemented to protect the queer community, but what lacks the most is social acceptance and dignity. Only these factors may lead the LGBTQA+ community and couples to come out free in society.

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