LAHORE, Nov 15: A man was greeted with fists and kicks on the Lahore High Court premises on Tuesday by the family of a woman who he called his wife.

The enraged family members of Zahida, who had eloped with Nau Bahaar, of Shorkot, tortured him when he arrived at the court to attend the kidnap case hearing.

Zahida’s parents alleged he had kidnapped their daughter. Nau Bahaar, however, said Zahida and he married against the wishes of their parents.

The family also tore his clothes. Court security personnel intervened to rescue the man.

In the courtroom, injured Nau Bahaar narrated the whole story to Justice Rauf Ahmad Sheikh, who ordered the police to take action against the perpetrators.

On judge’s query, Zahida said she had contracted marriage with her free will and Bahaar had not kidnapped her.

The petitioner’s counsel told the court that Zahida was already married to her cousin. He also produced a nikahnama or marriage deed to prove his point.

However, the investigating officer of the case told the court the nikah document was dubious since the union council concerned had not verified it.

Justice Sheikh disposed of the petition and directed the police to investigate the matter. When the woman’s father requested the court to send her to Darul Amaan or shelter, the judge turned down the request.