The Delhi High Court on Friday commanded the Delhi Police to shift an LGBTQ couple from Punjab to a safe house in the capital. As per reports, the couple was receiving threats from the family members, therefore, the HC directed the police to ensure adequate security.
The LGBTQ couple approached the court through NGO Dhanak of Humanity. The 18-year-olds have accused their family members of assaulting them after they wrote to the Delhi Police for security and a government safe house.
Advocate Utkarsh Singh representing the petitioners submitted that the couple’s relationship was objectionable to their families. The couple fled to Delhi to solemnise their marriage.
According to The Indian Express, Justice Mukta Gupta directed the SHO of Mayur Vihar Phase 1 Police station to ensure that the couple is provided security and shifted to a safe house. While issuing notice to the family members of the couple, the court listed the matter for hearing on August 2.
As per the petition, the couple met at a thread mill in August 2020 in Punjab. Eventually, they became friends and then fell in love.
Earlier this year, in May, the petitioners decided to live together, however, their family members opposed their decision. On July 13, they were reportedly assaulted by their family members.
The plea states that following the incident they came to Delhi on July 2 and have been seeking a safe house since then. It further adds that the authorities failed to provide the LGBTQ couple with any assistance.
“A lot of family members of the petitioner are residing in Delhi and they are being tracked by their family members and family friends,” it read.
According to a report, a 60 square yard safehouse has been set up by the government in Kingsway Camp, North Delhi. The house can accommodate three couples “whose relationship is opposed by their families or local community and khaps”.
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