Gujarat HC directs SP to look into concerns of same-sex couple

The court of Justice AJ Desai, in an order on July 23, directed the district superintendent of police, Lunawada, Mahisagar, to look into the matter and “take immediate steps”. (Representational Image)

The Gujarat High Court has asked the district superintendent of police (SP) to look into the case of a same-sex police constable couple, who approached the court seeking protection apprehending threat to their life from their families, and provide them protection if their concerns are deemed valid.

The 24-year-old couple, living in Mahisagar, made representations to Bhavnagar and Mahisagar police as well as to the district superintendent of police at Mahisagar in June. But their request was unheeded, following which they approached the court.

In their petition, the couple submitted that they had been in a relationship for three years and since they are of the same sex, it “is not acceptable to the society, their family and communities, thus they are facing threats…”

The court of Justice AJ Desai, in an order on July 23, directed the district superintendent of police, Lunawada, Mahisagar, to look into the matter and “take immediate steps” and if required, “provide police protection” to the petitioners.