Chandigarh, April 17 -- They flee under the cover of darkness, their hands tightly clasped, hearts pounding with hope and fear in equal measure. For many young couples in Punjab, love remains a battleground - often waged against caste lines, religious divides, family honour, or rigid social customs. Until now, their sanctuary was the courtroom, often accessed after perilous journeys and prolonged legal hassles.
But change is in the air.
In a landmark move aimed at protecting these vulnerable lovers, the Punjab Government has formally notified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), empowering runaway couples to seek immediate protection at their nearest police station instead of navigating complex legal corridors. The move, spurred by the P...