MP HC Orders Police Protection for Interfaith Couple Amid “Love Jihad” Opposition

GG News Bureau
Jabalpur, 25th Oct. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered police protection for an interfaith couple in Jabalpur who intend to marry under the Special Marriage Act, after receiving reports of threats to their safety. The directive follows a plea filed by the couple, who cited concerns over possible family intervention and threats from outside parties, including political figures.

Justice Vishal Dhagat, who presided over the case, instructed the Jabalpur Superintendent of Police to ensure the couple’s protection. The woman will be provided shelter at an institution until November 11, where she will have time to consider her decision away from external pressures. The man, meanwhile, will be held in an undisclosed location for his safety and will be escorted to his family when conditions allow.

The petitioners, who have reportedly been in a live-in relationship for a year, sought police assistance after concerns were raised over potential abduction and harm by family members. Telangana BJP MLA T Raja, in a viral video, urged Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to stop what he referred to as a “love jihad” marriage—a term used by some groups to describe alleged attempts by Muslim men to convert Hindu women through marriage. Raja’s video prompted local activist Atul Jeswani of Hindu Sewa Parishad to petition the Jabalpur district collector, urging the cancellation of the couple’s marriage application.

The High Court directed that if any person attempts to unlawfully contact or restrain the couple, legal action will be taken. The woman’s formal statement will be recorded on November 12, before the Registrar of Marriage, to finalize the marriage under the Special Marriage Act.