Introduction:

In a controversial case before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, a married math teacher sought protection for his live-in relationship with a 19-year-old student. Justice Alok Jain imposed a deterrent cost of Rs. 50,000, expressing stern disapproval of such petitions. The teacher, already married and a father, filed a protection petition under Article 226, claiming intimacy and fearing reprisals from the girl’s family.

Arguments:

The petition highlighted the alleged threat from the girl’s family and the development of intimacy leading to a live-in relationship. However, the Court, upon examining the case, dismissed the petition with a cost of Rs. 50,000, emphasizing the need to discourage teachers from abusing the legal process. The Court had earlier noted that living with another woman without dissolving a previous marriage might constitute bigamy.

Court’s Judgement:

Justice Alok Jain dismissed the petition with the imposition of a Rs. 50,000 cost on the teacher, emphasizing the need to deter educators from misusing legal avenues. The amount is directed to be deposited with the High Court Bar Association Lawyer’s Family Welfare Fund. The case underscores the High Court’s commitment to upholding legal integrity and discouraging questionable petitions.