HC directs protection to inter-caste marriage couple

Chennai, Sep 1: Observing that it was the duty of courts and other branches of the state to encouarge inter-caste marriages, the Madras High Court on Wednesday directed police to provide protection to a Dalit man and a caste Hindu woman who entered into wedlock in Cuddalore district.

"It is the duty of the instrumentalities of the state, including this Court, to encourage inter-caste marriages and afford protection to couples of such marriage," Justice P N Prakash said in his order on a petition by the woman.

He directed the Cuddalore district Superintendent of Police to immediately provide protection to the family of Sivaramakrishnan who had married the caste Hindu woman, so that no harm befalls them.

The girl and Sivaramakrishan married on July 17 last year but did not make it public. After the marriage came to light recently, the family members of the girl opposed it on the ground that the man was a Dalit.

Advocate Vaigai, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the couple were in "a very safe place" and it would not be advisable to reveal their present whereabouts as that may cause peril to their safety.

She said families of both the man and the woman were doing everything possible to break the marriage and four FIRs were pending in various police stations in this connection.

The Judge ordered that all the FIRs be transferred to the Neyveli police sub-division in Cuddalore district and taken up in accordance with law.

He also issued notice to all the family members and the SP, Cuddalore, directing them to file their replies within two weeks.

PTI