Couple Fear Honour Killing, Granted Police Protection
Published: 03rd August 2014 08:23 AM | Last Updated: 03rd August 2014 08:23 AM | A+A A-
MADURAI: A young couple from Pudukkottai who had married braving opposition from parents has been given police protection by the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench following fears that they could be killed in the name of family-honour.
The court’s direction to grant them protection comes close on the heels of a man in Ramanathapuram killing his minor daughter for eloping with a Dalit boy.
In the instant case, Tamilarasi of Aranthangi approached the court stating that she had fallen in love with one Ramesh, who belongs to the same community, and married him on July 16 despite opposition from her father. On learning about the marriage, her father had lodged a complaint with the Aranthangi police claiming that she was abducted by Ramesh.
Tamilarasi feared that her father could eliminate her and Ramesh in the name of family honour as the groom belonged to a poor family. Hence, she pleaded for police protection.
When the case was taken up for hearing by Justice N Kirubakaran, the couple appeared before him and expressed apprehensions about their safety.
Noting that the girl had attained the legal age of majority, the judge said she was entitled to take a decision on choosing her life partner. “Moreover, the petitioner is possessing MSc, Bed degree qualifications. Therefore, she has taken a decision to get married to the said Ramesh and accordingly, married him.
Therefore, the petitioner and her husband should not be harassed based on the complaint given by the petitioner’s father,” the judge said.
Noting that the couple had left their native fearing for their life, the judge said it would be appropriate to direct the Pudukkottai Police to give proper protection to them and ensure that they return to their native and led a normal life.