Madhya Pradesh Court Denies Continuous Police Protection for Interfaith Couple

An interfaith couple's request for continuous police protection has been turned down by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The court insisted that continuous personal security cannot be justified solely on the basis of general fears or sporadic suspicious activity.

The couple, married in 2019 under Hindu rites after the woman's conversion from Islam, experienced threats and were initially granted police assistance. However, after their security detail was downgraded without explanation, they petitioned the court again. Justice Jai Kumar Pillai ruled that issuing a writ for ongoing protection requires significant evidence of direct threat.

The court expressed concern over frequent petitions for security in inter-religious marriages without substantial proof of danger. It clarified that law enforcement bears the responsibility for maintaining order and must act promptly on credible threats, adhering to Supreme Court guidelines.

(With inputs from agencies.)