Manju Devi Vs State of Punjab and Others

Instant Habeas Corpus petition has been filed by the petitioner – Manju Devi, seeking issuance of a writ to search out her daughter namely ‘Pooja’ (detenue herein), alleged to be in the illegal custody of private respondents No.4 and 5, namely Sandeep Kumar and Dharamveer Kumar, respectively.

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On 01.07.2025, after hearing learned counsel for the petitioner, following order was recorded:-

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“1. Present petition has been filed by the petitioner, seeking issuance of a writ in the nature of habeas corpus, to appoint the Warrant Officer to search out her daughter namely Pooja, who has been illegally detained by private respondent Nos.4 and 5.

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Notice of motion.

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On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts an appearance on behalf of the respondent/State, and submits that as per the information received from the concerned SHO, Police Station Khuikhera, District Fazilka, detenue namely Pooja and respondent No.4 - Sandeep Kumar have already performed marriage on 29.06.2025. Learned State counsel further submits that required efforts for recording the statement of detenue namely Pooja would be completed before the next date of hearing, and thereafter, status report be also filed.

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List again on 17.07.2025.

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Meanwhile, respondent No.2 - Senior Superintedent of Police, Fazilka, is directed to immediately depute some police officers)/official(s), to visit the houses) of respondents No.4 to 5 or any other place of detention, where the alleged detenue 'Pooja' is illegally detained. The concerned police officers)/official(s) would record the statement of the alleged detenue 'Pooja'. Such officer would ensure that the statement of the alleged detenue 'Pooja' is free from any kind

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JAWALA RAM 2026.01.21 16:10 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document

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CRWP-6952-2025

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2 -

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of influence, fear or pressure, and thereafter, report prepared by him/her in this regard be produced on or before the next date of hearing fixed before this Court.

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After recording the statement of detenue, if such officers)/official(s) realises that detenue is major and has been illegally detained, he/she would get her released immediately. ”

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Today, the detenue – Pooja, is present in person before this Court. She has been identified by ASI Pappu Ram, who is also present in Court to assist learned State counsel. The Aadhaar Card produced by the detenue is taken on record.

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In open Court, on being queried by this Court, the detenue Pooja stated confidently that she is residing happily of her own free will and choice, and that she has already solemnized marriage with respondent No.4 – Sandeep Kumar, and is presently residing with him at her matrimonial home.

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Learned State counsel further submits that, as per the statement recorded by the Investigating Agency in compliance with the earlier order passed by this Court, it has been found that the detenue has not been illegally detained and is residing with her husband, who is respondent No.4 herein, out of her own volition.

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In view of the aforesaid statement made by the detenue, and there being no one present on behalf of the petitioner to controvert the same, the present petition is dismissed .

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Pending misc. application(s), if any, also stand(s) disposed of.

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(SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE

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January 19, 2026 J.Ram

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Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No

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JAWALA RAM 2026.01.21 16:10 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document

Manju Devi v. State of Punjab and Others

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Manju Devi v. State of Punjab and Others

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