Himachal Pradesh HC Directs Police to Ensure Safety of 20-Year-Old Man and 17-Year-Old Wife Married Under Muslim Law [Read Order]

Himachal Pradesh: The Himachal Pradesh High Court directed the Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, and the Station House Officer, Police Station Nahan, to consider the protection request of a 20-year-old petitioner and his 17-year-old wife.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma further directed the authorities to take appropriate action after the couple married without their families’ consent.

The court was hearing a writ petition filed by Salman Khan and another under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking a writ of mandamus to safeguard their life and personal liberty. The petitioners, belonging to the Muslim community, were married on July 30, 2025, at Khizrabad, District Yamunanagar, Haryana, in accordance with Islamic rites and out of their own free will.

According to the Aadhaar cards presented, the petitioner-husband was 20 years old and the petitioner-wife was 17 years old. The petition relied on principles of Mohammedan Law, which recognise that a Muslim female attains the age of puberty at 15 years and may marry by her own consent thereafter.

The court noted that the petitioners had earlier submitted a representation dated August 5, 2025, to the authorities, alleging threats from private respondents and requesting that no interference be caused in their personal life and liberty.

Referring to the judgment of the Supreme Court in Lata Singh vs. State of U.P. (2006) 5 SCC 475, the Bench observed that a case had been made out for the official respondents to examine the representation and take necessary steps.

While disposing of the petition, the Bench directed the Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, and the SHO, Police Station Nahan, to look into the representation and act in accordance with law to ensure the petitioners’ safety.

Ms. Nancy Vashistha appeared for the petitioners, while Mr. Anup Rattan, Advocate General, with Mr. Sidharth Jalta, Deputy Advocate General, appeared for the State of Himachal Pradesh.

Case Title: Salman Khan & Anr. v. State of Himachal Pradesh & Ors.

[Read Order]