Kochi , 22 July (H.S.):The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the Palarivattom Police in Kochi to provide protection to the young woman who gained nationwide attention after a video of her at the Kumbh Mela went viral. The court issued the order after she alleged that she had been facing threats and an online hate campaign following her marriage to a Muslim man.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas directed the Station House Officer of the Palarivattom Police Station to ensure adequate security for the petitioner. The court also specified that a woman police officer should be designated to assist her so that she could seek help immediately in the event of any emergency.

The woman had approached the High Court claiming that she was being subjected to intimidation, abuse and sustained harassment after her interfaith marriage. She sought police protection, stating that the threats posed a serious risk to her safety and well-being.

Earlier, in June, the High Court had passed an interim order directing the police to provide her protection. However, the order was subsequently withdrawn after the police informed the court that they had been unable to trace her at the address available with them. At that time, the court observed that she could renew her request either by appearing in person or by submitting a written representation.

During the latest hearing, the petitioner informed the court that she was now residing within the jurisdiction of the Palarivattom Police Station. The State government told the court that she had already approached the Ernakulam Central Police, who were parties to the case, and that the contact number of a woman Assistant Sub-Inspector had been shared with her to enable immediate assistance whenever required.

Taking note of the changed circumstances, the High Court suo motu impleaded the Station House Officer of the Palarivattom Police Station as a party to the proceedings and ordered that police protection be extended to the petitioner. The case has been posted for further hearing on July 28.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman