- (1.) Both the petitioners are present in the Court and are identified by their counsel.
(2.) The petitioners seek protection to their life and liberty. They have filed the instant petition under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short 'Cr.P.C.') alleging that they being of marriageable age, got married with each other. The private respondents are not accepting the marriage of the petitioners alleging it to be against the social norms. The petitioners tried to persuade their parents and relatives but remained unsuccessful in their endeavour. The private respondents, it is alleged, are hell-bent to separate the petitioners from each other by resorting to illegal means. Thus, it has been pleaded that the petitioners are apprehending imminent danger to their life and liberty from the private respondents. Having been left with no other option, it has become the compulsive necessity for the petitioners to approach this Court.
(3.) Learned counsel for the petitioners contends that petitioner No.1 is major but petitioner No.2 has completed 17-1/2 years of age. However, he further submits that they have married each other of their own free will but against the wishes of private respondents. Photographs of the marriage are appended as Annexure P-4. Learned counsel for the petitioners further submits that despite the representation dated 27.08.2012 (Annexure P-5), having been duly submitted to Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur respondent No.2, no action is being taken thereon and the petitioners are apprehending danger to their life and liberty at the hands of private respondents No.4 to 13.;