Justice P Bhavadasan said the "state has to ensure the security of its citizens and it is one of the prime duties of the state and its officers and if due to the latches or default on the part of authorities, citizens suffer loss or damages, state was bound to compensate".
The groom was killed by a hired goon wen Rasina was pregnant on September 18, 2001.
Holding that security was not confined to protection and fighting of crime, the court said it means creating an environment conducive to peaceful co-existence.
The court said there has been violation of fundamental rights of the petitioners in so far as there was no proper investigation initially. The petitioners had to approach the High Court five times for a proper investigation of the case, the court pointed out.
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After the young couple eloped, Rasina embraced Hinduism.
Her father and relatives conspired to do away with groom and took the help of a hired goonda, it was submitted.
At that time, communal disharmony was prevailing in the area. Rasina's uncle used to frequently visit Balakrishna's house and collected a photograph of Balakrishnan. Thereafter conspiracy was hatched and he was hacked to death, it was submitted.
CBI investigated the case and filed chargesheet against the father of the girl and some others. Trial proceedings are pending before court.