PRAYAGRAJ, Dec. 19 -- The Allahabad high court has directed police to provide protection to 12 live-in couples who said they were facing threats from their families and had received inadequate security from the authorities. Justice Vivek Kumar Singh heard all 12 petitions together and ruled that adults in a live-in relationship are entitled to protection of life and personal liberty from the state. The court also issued detailed directions on the procedure to be followed by the police if such couples face threats in future. The HC said that the petitioners may approach the commissioner of police, senior superintendent of police (SSP) or superintendent of police (SP) with a certified copy of the order. The court said officers must provide immediate protection after confirming that the individuals are majors and living together voluntarily. In cases where documentary proof of age is not available, the police may conduct ossification tests or adopt other lawful methods to ascertain age, the high court said in its order dated December 17 (Wednesday). P2...