Run away marriages in Punjab a human rights perspective

Abstract

The present research work is a modest attempt to examine the flagrant violations of human rights of couples in run-away marriages in Punjab by assessing protection cases filed by couples exerting their fundamental right to marry. It examines the human rights of couples performing run-away marriages apprehending the threat to right to life and liberty. Within this paradigm, assesses the socio-economic and cultural factors compelling couples to invoke their fundamental right under Article 21 enshrined in the Constitution of India. It attempts to assess familial, social and legal challenges that couples in run-away marriages confront, leading to a denial of their human rights. Relevant narrations of couples have been collected and analyzed by way of a longitudinal analysis to achieve a credible understanding of the prevalent social situation where they face an impending threat of honour killing, if not adequately protected. It discusses the institutional intervention by State mechanisms through judicial, quasi-judicial, executive and legislative bodies. The prevalence of Panchayat as a self-governing local body in rural Punjab has also been deliberated. Further, relevant suggestions have been given in the light of the findings. newline