Calcutta High Court Directs Police Protection For Interfaith Couple Facing Threats Over Marriage
The Calcutta High Court has disposed of a writ petition filed by an interfaith couple alleging that threats and intimidation by members of religious fundamentalist organisations had forced them to postpone their marriage, permitting them to take fresh steps to solemnise the marriage in accordance with law and directing that police protection be provided if they proceed with the formalities.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya passed the order after the Inspector-in-Charge of Nabadwip Police Station met the jurisdictional Marriage Registrar, who reportedly expressed his willingness to take fresh steps to solemnise the marriage.
The couple had initially scheduled their marriage for July 29, 2026. However, according to the petition, they had to postpone it due to persistent threats and intimidation. The notice period for solemnising the marriage subsequently expired on September 25, 2026.
The petitioners approached the High Court seeking directions to the police authorities to take necessary steps to facilitate the commencement of fresh proceedings for solemnising their marriage. They also expressed apprehension that the Marriage Registrar might have been threatened and was therefore reluctant to proceed with the marriage.
In its order dated September 25, the Court had directed the Inspector-in-Charge of Nabadwip Police Station to meet the Marriage Registrar and ascertain his position.
Recording the developments, the Court noted that the Marriage Registrar had informed the police officer that he had no difficulty in taking fresh steps for solemnising the couple's marriage.
The State's counsel, Advocate Amrita Pandey, undertook to file the police officer's report on the same day.
In view of the Marriage Registrar's willingness to proceed, the Court observed that the petitioners would be at liberty to take the necessary steps in accordance with law.
The Court further directed that if the couple decided to proceed with the marriage, the decision would be communicated to the Inspector-in-Charge of Nabadwip Police Station, based on which necessary police protection would be provided to the couple and their family members to complete the marriage formalities.
The writ petition was accordingly disposed of.
Case Title: Shorab Hussien & Anr. v. State of West Bengal & Ors.
Case Number: WPA 25486 of 2026