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The Supreme Court of India ordered a fugitive couple seeking protection from their families to approach the High Court on Friday, March 20, 2026, in a startling example of how social media misinformation can affect legal proceedings. The couple had arrived at the apex court premises under the false impression that they could get married and receive immediate safety from the Chief Justice of India.
After a lawyer found the young couple in the Supreme Court parking lot, the matter was brought to the notice of a bench that included Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, and Vipul M. Pancholi.
The couple's attorney told the Bench that viral social media footage had inspired them to travel to the Supreme Court. The attorney claims that the pair thought they could get an immediate protection order directly from the Chief Justice of India and execute their marriage ceremony on the court grounds.
The pair is genuinely afraid for their life, the attorney said, claiming that their parents planned to "punish them severely" for their relationship. The attorney went on to say that she had taken the couple to the neighboring Tilak Marg Police Station for help, but she said that the police tried to arrest them rather than offer protection.
The Jurisdiction Question
Chief Justice Surya Kant questioned the growing trend of plaintiffs avoiding the High Courts in these kinds of cases in response to the remark.
"Why is Article 226 jurisdiction being treated like a stepmother?" The CJI inquired, pointing out that High Courts have more authority and are better suited to deal with such requests for protection.
Based on his own experience, the Chief Justice said that he had dealt with several matters of a similar nature while serving as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He explained that although the Supreme Court is still an option, it should only be used in the event that the High Court is unable to grant the required remedy.
The Bench asked the attorney to take the case to the Delhi High Court right away in order to protect the couple, but they declined to directly consider the plea. The Supreme Court stated it would speak with the Registrar (Judicial) of the relevant High Court to ensure the matter is given proper consideration in order to expedite the hearing.
The episode serves as a clear reminder of the discrepancy between the real procedural requirements of the Indian judicial system and the "viral" legal advice offered on digital channels.
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