MEHJBEEN F. KADRI Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition seeks a writ of habeas corpus seeking a direction to produce the minor daughter of the Petitioner who is under the custody of the father, Respondent No.2.

(2.) On 29/5/2024, Learned Counsel appearing for Respondent No.2, the father of the child, confirmed that the child was indeed with him. He claimed that the child does not desire to reside with the mother. We had observed that, prima-facie, the child was being held on to as collateral for efforts by the husband make his wife return to the household. To demonstrate his bona fides, we had directed Respondent No.2 to remain present with child, in Chambers today.

(3.) Today, the Petitioner and Respondent No.2 appeared before us along with their respective Counsel. The eight year old daughter had also been brought to our Chambers along with a 16 year old son of the couple. We interviewed each of the Petitioner and Respondent No.2 separately also engaged with the 16 year son individually to get a sense of the matters at hand.