The Allahabad High Court has directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kotwali Prayagraj to conduct a thorough investigation into the claims of a couple seeking protection after alleging they were married. The court’s order comes as the couple contends their lives are in danger due to threats from opponents.
Justice Vinod Diwakar issued the directive during a hearing involving petitioners Mrs. Shivani Kesarwani and another individual. The court has instructed the couple to provide detailed information regarding their marriage, including the identity of the priest, the institution that issued their marriage certificate, and the priest’s contact details.
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The couple has been advised to cooperate fully with the investigation. The court warned that if they fail to do so, they will be required to appear before the court with a detailed report by the next hearing, scheduled for October 16.
During the proceedings, the court summoned the president, secretary, and priest of Arya Samaj Chowk Prayagraj, the institution the couple claims conducted their marriage. On September 25, an advocate representing Arya Samaj stated that the marriage certificate submitted by the petitioners was not issued by their organization. Additionally, Priest Pankaj Shukla denied having conducted the couple’s marriage or signing any related certificate.
Taking these allegations seriously, the court has emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry. It has appointed advocate RB Mishra as amicus curiae to assist in the proceedings and has mandated the presence of the petitioner’s advocate at the next hearing.
