A runaway couple has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking protection from alleged threats issued by their family members.

The petition concerns a 19-year-old woman from Bihar and a 22-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, who travelled to Delhi with the intention of solemnising their marriage.

Appearing on their behalf, advocate Harvinder Chaudhary submitted before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant that the woman’s father and brother had allegedly threatened to kill the couple.

It was further submitted that the couple approached the Supreme Court after coming across social media content suggesting that marriages could be solemnised at the court premises. Counsel stated that he encountered the couple within the Supreme Court परिसर and thereafter assisted them in instituting the present petition.

Allegations were also raised that when the couple approached a police station in Delhi seeking protection, they were instead detained by the police authorities.

Upon hearing the matter, the Supreme Court declined to entertain the plea at this stage and directed the petitioners to approach the Delhi High Court for appropriate relief.

The Bench observed that the High Court is competent to deal with such matters expeditiously.

“The High Court will definitely consider this,” the Chief Justice noted, adding that in the event of any adverse outcome, the petitioners would be at liberty to approach the Supreme Court.

When counsel sought interim protection for a limited period, the Court directed that the matter be moved before the High Court without delay. The Bench also indicated that necessary communication would be made to the High Court registry to facilitate urgent listing of the case