Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the correct course of action.

A young runaway couple have come to you seeking protection as they belong to the same ‘gotra’ and their village panchayat has asked them to dissolve their marriage and to treat each other as brother and sister. The Khap panchayats have been known to lynch runaway couples and even attack police personnel providing security to them. Meanwhile, the villagers getting wind of the couple’s movements have reached your office and asking you to hand over the couple to them. They assure you that the couple will not be harmed, but will be counselled about the rules of their society.

What will be the most suitable course of action under these circumstances?

  1. Verify the age of the young couple and send them to a safe house if they are of legal marriageable age.

  2. Take a written undertaking from the panchayat members that the couple will not be harmed and hand over the couple to them.

  3. Deny that the couple have come to you and ask the couple to flee once the villagers go away.

  4. Convince the panchayat that the boy and girl are legally entitled to get married and warn them of dire consequences if they try to harm them.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The primary duty of the police is to ensure the safety of citizens. Verifying their age and providing protection is the only way to prevent potential violence while respecting the rights of legal adults.

Keep practicing — related questions