GAURAV KUMAR MURARKA Vs. UNION TERRITORY OF DADRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the parties.

(2.) By this petition, the petitioner seeks a writ of habeas corpus directing the respondent No.1 to produce his wife - Shivani before this Court. He also seeks a direction to the respondent Nos.3 to 8 to immediately release his wife - Shivani and hand over her custody to the petitioner.

(3.) In our order dated 25 th August 2023, we recorded the submissions of the learned counsel for the petitioner; that the petitioner got married to Shivani on 4 th May 2023; that on 16/6/2023, Shivani went to meet her parents and did not return thereafter; that the petitioner tried to contact Shivani, however, he was unable to contact her; and that the petitioner apprehended danger to his wife - Shivani, since their marriage was performed against the wishes of Shivani's family and more particularly, as she was pregnant. Accordingly, vide the said order dated 25 th August 2023, we issued notice to the respondents and directed the respondent No.1 to trace Shivani and to record her statement in the absence of her relatives.