Punjab Issues Comprehensive SOP to Protect Life and Liberty of Runaway Couples
In a significant step to uphold constitutional rights and personal freedom, the Department of Home Affairs, Government of Punjab, has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 23.01.2025 to ensure the safety and security of runaway couples. This comes in direct compliance with the Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court’s order dated 14.06.2024 in CRWP No. 12562 of 2023, which directed the State to formulate clear and effective guidelines to deal with threats to the life and liberty of such couples.
The newly issued SOP lays down a systematic framework to be followed by the police and civil administration across all districts and commissionerates of Punjab. It aims to ensure immediate, fair, and transparent action on representations submitted by individuals or couples fearing threat from family or community due to their relationship.
Key Highlights of the SOP
1. Appointment of Nodal Officers
Each district/commissionerate will appoint a Superintendent of Police or Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (HQ) as the Nodal Officer, who will oversee the handling of such representations. At the police station level, an ASI-rank officer will be designated to conduct the inquiry under the monitoring of the Nodal Officer.
2. Time-Bound Inquiry and Immediate Protection
Any representation alleging a threat must be acted upon immediately, with an inquiry to be completed within 3 days. The designated police officer must hear both the protection-seeking couple and the opposite parties and pass a reasoned order. Where a prima facie threat exists, immediate shelter and security must be provided even before the inquiry concludes.
3. Right to Appeal
In case of rejection of a protection request, the aggrieved party can file an appeal before the Appellate Authority — the Deputy Superintendent of Police or Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Against Women) — within 3 days, and the appeal must be decided within the next 7 days.
4. Shelter and Security Orders
Based on the threat assessment, the Deputy Commissioners of districts shall ensure shelter is provided in suitable public or private safe spaces.
5. Helplines and 24×7 Help Desks
A dedicated help desk shall operate 24×7 in every district police office. An electronic record of every representation will be maintained. The 181 Helpline will act as a direct telephonic grievance channel for aggrieved persons.
6. Periodic Reviews and Legal Aid
The SOP mandates quarterly reviews at both district and state levels. Reports are to be sent to the DGP Punjab, and the Special DGP (CAD) will monitor compliance. The State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authorities shall also provide free legal aid to the couples as per need.
7. Public Awareness
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations has been directed to ensure wide publicity of this SOP and the helpline facilities.
Impact of the SOP
This SOP is a landmark move to safeguard the rights of consenting adults choosing to live together or marry out of their own free will. It addresses the critical concerns of honour-based threats, familial coercion, and unlawful interference in inter-caste or inter-faith relationships. The structured mechanism ensures timely police action, accountability, and judicial oversight, thereby strengthening the rule of law and individual liberty in the state.
Conclusion
The Punjab Government’s SOP serves as a progressive blueprint for the rest of the country to emulate. It balances law enforcement responsibilities, human rights, and public administration efficiency, ensuring that no couple in Punjab is left vulnerable for exercising their right to love and live freely.
Punjab and Haryana High Court Chandigarh
+91-9463742964
advanoopverma@gmail.com