Gujarat HC Sends 17-Year-Old Girl To Protection Home After Elopement With Juvenile

The Gujarat High Court has directed that a 17-year-old girl be admitted to a women’s protection centre in Himmatnagar after she told the court that she did not wish to return to her father following her elopement with another juvenile.

The order was passed by a Division Bench while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by the girl’s father.

Girl Brought Before Court By Police

The minor girl, referred to as the corpus in the proceedings, was brought before the High Court by an officer from Ambaliyara Police Station in Bayad.

During the hearing, the Bench interacted with the girl and asked whether she wished to return to her father. The 17-year-old explicitly stated that she did not want to live with him and instead expressed her desire to be placed at a women’s protection centre.

Court Notes Both Were Juveniles

The Bench also took note of the fact that the person with whom the girl had eloped was himself a juvenile.

Considering the circumstances and the girl’s request, the court directed that she be admitted to the Women Protection Center, Himmatnagar, until further orders.

“The I.O. is requested to admit the corpus in the Women Protection Center, Himmatnagar, till further order of this court,” the Bench stated.

The court also granted liberty to the authorities of the protection centre to approach it for appropriate orders if required.

Habeas Corpus Petition Disposed Of

Following the directions, the High Court disposed of the habeas corpus petition filed by the girl’s father.

The Bench also directed the Assistant Public Prosecutor to provide a copy of the order to the Investigating Officer for necessary compliance.