Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal Police to provide adequate security and ensure that an interfaith couple in Howrah is able to solemnise their marriage without disruption on Wednesday, observing that "adult citizens of this country have the right to choose their life partners".
The direction came while hearing a plea filed by an adult woman and man from different faiths, who sought police protection to solemnise their marriage. Their counsel told the court that the couple was facing opposition from local residents over their decision to marry.
Acting on the petition on Monday, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed the police to provide adequate protection to the couple during the marriage ceremony and ensure that no untoward incident takes place.
"This court does not find any hindrance even if it is a case of inter-faith marriage, since the petitioners are adult citizens of this country, and they have the right to choose their life partners," Justice Bhattacharyya observed.
Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, appearing for the petitioners, told the court that a furore in the locality over the couple's decision had raised fears that they could be prevented from solemnising the marriage.
Appearing for the state government, Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Mazumder placed before the court a communication from the inspector-in-charge of Uluberia police station, stating that certain measures had been taken to maintain peace in the area.
The court directed the inspector-in-charge of Uluberia police station in Howrah to file a compliance report within seven days of the marriage being solemnised. The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 10.
Superintendent of Police, Howrah Rural, Amit Verma, said on Tuesday that adequate steps were being taken in accordance with the High Court's order.