DHARMENDRASINGH RAMSEVKAR RAJPUT Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition revolves around the predicament of an innocent ten­year old girl, Laxmi, who, in spite of having two sets of parents - biological and adoptive - finds  herself   in   the  Childrens'   Home   for   Girls.  The petition   brings   to   the   fore   the   unseemly   tussle between the two sets of parents for Laxmi's custody, which   question   looms   large   before   the   Court.   All considerations apart, the Court is conscious that its paramount duty is to ensure Laxmi's welfare.

(2.) Now, the facts :

(3.) This Habeas Corpus petition under Article­226 of the   Constitution   of   India   has  been   preferred  by  the petitioners, who claim to be Laxmi's adoptive parents. A prayer is made to issue an appropriate Writ, order or   direction   upon  respondents   Nos.2   and   3,   Police Inspector,   Puna   Police   Station,   Surat   and Administrator/Manager,   Childrens'   Observation   Home, Ramnagar, Surat, to produce the corpus of Laxmi before the   Court.   It   is   further   prayed   that   the   Court   may ascertain Laxmi's wishes, order her release from the alleged illegal custody of  respondent  No.3, and hand over her custody to the petitioners.