Gujarat HC Orders Release Of Six Minor Children, Directs Police To Hand Them Over To Mother

The Gujarat High Court has directed police authorities to release six minor children from the custody of private individuals and hand them over to their biological mother, observing that she was entitled to their custody.

Mother Moves High Court Seeking Children's Release

The directions were issued by a division bench while allowing a habeas corpus petition filed by the mother.

The petitioner had approached the High Court seeking the production and release of her six children — four daughters and two sons — from the custody of two private respondents.

According to the details placed before the court, the mother and her children had visited the private respondents' house in connection with a marriage. Following a financial dispute, the mother was allegedly forced to leave the premises, while the private individuals allegedly retained the children.

Police Produce Six Children Before Court

Following an earlier notice issued by the High Court, police authorities produced all six minor children before the bench.

After examining the circumstances, the court observed that the petitioner, being the children's biological mother, had the primary entitlement to their custody.

Court Directs Immediate Handover To Mother

The bench directed the police to immediately release the children from the custody of the private individuals and facilitate their return to their mother.

The High Court subsequently disposed of the habeas corpus petition. To ensure that the order could be implemented without delay, the bench also permitted direct service of the order.