The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday barred police from harassing an Indian Sikh woman who embraced Islam and married a Pakistani man, after the couple alleged intimidation and unlawful raids. Justice Farooq Haider issued the order while hearing a petition filed by Noor Bibi, formerly known as Surjeet Kaur, and her husband, Nasir, who sought protection and an end to what they described as persistent police interference.
According to the petition, Noor Bibi converted to Islam of her own free will and subsequently married Nasir in a lawful, consensual union. The couple claimed that despite the legitimacy of their marriage, police raided their home on November 8 without a warrant or legal authority. They alleged that officers pressured Noor to renounce her marriage and return to India.
The petition argued that such actions were illegal and violated the couple’s fundamental rights to privacy, dignity and freedom of choice. After reviewing the complaint, the Lahore High Court restrained police from harassing the woman or taking any coercive action against the couple, directing authorities to ensure no unlawful intervention occurs.
The case emerged days after Surjeet Kaur, 52, went missing from a group of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev’s 555th birth anniversary.
Nearly 1,992 pilgrims travelled to Pakistan on November 4 and returned on November 13, but Kaur did not accompany them back to India. Her disappearance prompted concern, leading to investigations by both Pakistani and Indian authorities.
A document surfaced showing a nikahnama in Urdu that states she converted to Islam, adopted the name Noor, and married Nasir Hussain of Sheikhupura. The document could not be independently verified.
Kaur, who is divorced and has two sons, reportedly did not appear in immigration exit records, prompting Indian authorities to alert police and contact Pakistan regarding her whereabouts.
