#parental custody

The Karnataka High Court dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by a father seeking his daughter’s return, affirming that an adult woman’s voluntary choice to remain with her husband-even after a forced marriage-trumps parental custody claims. The court ordered her placement in a Women’s Welfare Center with medical care due to pregnancy, reinforcing that personal liberty and marital autonomy are inviolable under Article 21.

Madurai Bench of Madras High Court ruled that a minor’s voluntary affirmation of her desire to return to parents and continue studies prevails over parental custody claims in habeas corpus proceedings, absent coercion. The court directed authorities to restrict contact with the minor except by her parents, reinforcing personal liberty under Article 21.