By adbnu564 
In response to growing concerns over the safety of inter-faith and inter-caste couples in Maharashtra, the state government has issued a significant Government Resolution (GR) on May 13, 2025. The resolution outlines a nine-point standard operating procedure (SOP) aimed at providing safe housing and protection for both married and unmarried couples from diverse backgrounds.
This decision comes after a petition was filed in the Bombay High Court, addressing the increasing number of attacks on inter-faith and inter-caste couples in the state. The petitioners, including senior advocate Mihir Desai, and advocates Lara Jesani and Rishika Agarwal, urged the Maharashtra government to implement the Supreme Court’s 2018 Shakti Vahini guidelines, which advocate for safe housing and protection for couples facing threats due to their interfaith or intercaste status.
The Maharashtra Home Department’s resolution aims to protect couples by ensuring they are offered a safe refuge, including access to facilities that offer both physical and emotional support. The resolution specifies guidelines for the creation of safe houses and outlines procedures for ensuring the confidentiality and security of these couples.
Despite the Supreme Court’s 2018 order for the protection of such couples, it was noted that the guidelines had not been adequately enforced in Maharashtra. The government’s recent move is seen as a step towards rectifying this, ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals who may be at risk due to societal prejudices.
The SOP also includes measures for police protection, monitoring, and legal aid for those seeking refuge. This initiative aims to curb the violence and harassment faced by couples from diverse religious and caste backgrounds, offering them a more secure environment to live without fear of retaliation.
The Maharashtra government‘s commitment to protecting the rights of inter-faith and inter-caste couples has garnered attention, with the hope that it will serve as a model for other states to follow in securing the rights and dignity of individuals in such relationships.