K.Divya v. The Superintendent of Police,

ORDER (Made by Dr. ANITA SUMANTH, J.) The petitioner seeks production of her daughter Minor Bhavana, aged about 3 years (D.O.B 05.06.2023). According to her, the child is in illegal detention by R3, her husband since August, 2025, when after domestic abuse and assault, she was thrown out of the matrimonial home. She states in the affidavit that, despite several attempts, her husband and the family members are not allowing to even see the child.

¶2When questioned about the elapse of time between August, 2025 and March, 2026, when this habeas corpus petition was instituted, she had stated that she was unable to obtain any assistance from the police despite strenuous efforts, ultimately lodging a complaint before the authorities only on 23.02.2026. We had hence asked all the parties to be present in the Court and have conversed with them on the previous occasion i.e.,

01.04.2026 and today.

¶3There are allegations and counter allegations that the petitioner and R3 have made about each other. We do not wish to chronicle the same now as that constitutes personal differences which they should reconcile before the appropriate forum and not in this petition.

¶4We are concerned solely with the decision as to whether the minor child is in illegal detention. Admittedly, the child is three years old and as per provisions of Section 6 of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, in the case of a child of either sex, less than the age of five, ordinarily, it is the mother, who shall have custody.

¶5In the present case, we have seen the child in the Court hall and she appears to be comfortable with the paternal grandmother and R3. In a matter such as the present, our considerations would be guided solely by the interests of the child.

¶6The question of illegal detention of the child does not arise since she is with the father, as against whom the petitioner has not made any allegations, qua the child. Moreover, the child has been with the father for the last eight months i.e., since July, 2025. Her demeanour and behaviour also persuades us not to disturb the minor at this point in time.

¶7We are conscious of the fact that the mother should also have the right to visit the child and the child should also not be deprived of love and affection of the mother. Having regard to the marked animosity between the parties, and not wishing to cause any hindrance to the child, we leave it to the parties to work out an amicable arrangement, where the mother can also spend time with the child.

¶8On conversing with R3, we are given to understand that despite the allegations he has levelled as against the petitioner, he would be willing to resume marital relationship with her. It is the petitioner who, at the moment, has some reservations. Assuming that this position alters, there is every possibility that the child would have the affection of both parents.

¶9For the purposes of this habeas corpus petition, there is nothing further to be recorded. To reiterate, the parties are at liberty to workout their personal affairs in a manner they deem fit and we also make it clear that no observation made in this order will influence any other proceeding.

¶10While closing the habeas corpus petition, we suo motu implead The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri District, as respondent no.4, for whom, Mr.Muniyapparaj, learned Additional Public Prosecutor, accepts notice, and direct him to file a status report of how matters have panned out, specifically the well being of the minor, by 08.06.2026. No costs. [A.S.M, J.] [S.M, J.]

07.04.2026 Index : Yes/No ssm Note : Registry to circulate the status report once filed, to us in the Chambers. To

1.The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, District Police Office, Krishnagiri - 635 115.

2.The Inspector of Police, All Women Police Station, Denkanikottai, Krishnagiri District.

3.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri District.

4.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras. Copy to : The Section Officer, Criminal Section, High Court, Madras. DR. ANITA SUMANTH,J. and SUNDER MOHAN,J. ssm

07.04.2026

2026:MHC:1412 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 07.04.2026 CORAM : THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN K.Divya, Female/22 years D/o. Krishnan, Door No.4/115, Koneri Agraharam, Koppakkarai Post, Denkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District - 635 116 .. Petitioner vs 1.The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, District Police Office, Krishnagiri - 635 115. 2.The Inspector of Police, All Women Police Station, Denkanikottai, Krishnagiri District. 3.C.Gopalakannan, Male/30 years, S/o.Chandran, Door No.3/758, Pikkal Naikkanahalli, Bommanur Post, Jakkasamudran, Palacode, Dharmapuri – 636 805. 4.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri District. (suo motu impleaded vide this order dated 7.4.2026) .. Respondents Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a writ of habeas corpus directing the respondents herein to produce the petitioner's daughter namely child. Bhavana, female, aged 3 years, daughter of Gopalakannan / 3rd respondent, before this Court and handover her to petitioner. For Petitioner : Mr.V.Vasudevan For Respondents : Mr.R.Muniyapparaj Additional Public Prosecutor assisted by Mr.N.Narkeeran for R1, R2 Mr.V.Sivaraman, for R3