Rano Bai Vs State of Punjab and Others

Instant Habeas Corpus petition has been filed by the petitioner – Bano Bai, aged about 42 years, for releasing of detenue, namely, Gagandeep Kaur (daughter of the petitioner), from the illegal custody of respondents No. 4 to 12 forthwith.

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On 27.01.2026, after hearing learned counsel for the petitioner,

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following order was recorded:-

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“1. Present criminal writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ in the nature of Habeas Corpus, directing official respondents No. 1 to 3 to secure the release of detenue, namely Gagandeep Kaur (daughter of the petitioner), from the illegal custody of respondents No. 4 to 12 forthwith.

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As per the averments made in the petition, the detenue has been missing from the petitioner’s house since 01.12.2025. Despite repeated requests made at Police Station Arniwala, District Fazilka, no action has been taken. It is further stated that in the entire set of the petition, the age of the detenue has not been mentioned. Consequently, the petitioner has approached this Hon’ble Court by way of the present petition seeking a writ of Habeas Corpus.

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Notice of motion.

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On asking of the Court, Mr. Vinay Malhotra, DAG, Punjab,

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JAWALA RAM 2026.07.06 11:49 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document

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CRWP-943-2026

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who is present in the Court, accepts notice for respondents No.1 to 3 (State) and seeks time to get instructions and to file status report, if any.

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Let requisite copies of the complete paper book be handed over to the learned State counsel, during the course of the day.

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Meanwhile, respondent No.2 – The Senior Superintendent of Police, Fazilka, is directed to immediately depute some responsible police officer(s)/official(s), not below the rank of Sub-Inspector, including one lady constable to visit the house(s) of respondent No.4 to 12 or any other place of detention, where the alleged detenue ‘Gagandeep Kaur’ is illegally detained. The concerned police officer(s)/official(s) would record the statement of the alleged detenue ‘Gagandeep Kaur’. Such officer would ensure that the statement of the alleged detenue ‘Gagandeep Kaur’ is free from any kind of influence, fear or pressure, and thereafter, report prepared by him/her be produced before this Court on or before the next date of hearing fixed before this Court.

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

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Adjourned to 18.02.2026.”

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Today, at the very outset, learned State counsel informs that statement of the detenue ‘Gagandeep Kaur’ has been recorded and as per her statement, she is found to be married and joined the company of respondent No.4 (Gurdeep Singh), on her own free will.

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Even after performing marriage, detenue ‘Gagandeep Kaur’ and respondent No.4 (Gurdeep Singh) had also filed one protection petition, i.e., CRWP-13139-2025, which was disposed of by the Coordinate Bench of this Court by observing as under:-

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“5. In view of above, petition is hereby disposed of with a direction to respondent No.2-Senior Superintendent of Police, Fazilka to provide necessary protection to the petitioners after considering threat perception to their life and to ensure that the life and liberty of the petitioners is not jeopardized at the hands of the private respondents. However, this direction will not validate the marriage said to have taken

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JAWALA RAM 2026.07.06 11:49 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document

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CRWP-943-2026

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place between the parties and will have no effect on any civil or criminal action, which could be initiated in the matter in accordance with law.”

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Status report dated 02.07.2026, filed by learned State counsel,

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in Court today, is taken on record. Office to tag the same at appropriate place.

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In view of above, no ground is left to keep present petition pending, as neither any substance nor any cause survives in present proceedings. Accordingly, present petition is found to be devoid of merit and stands 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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July 03, 2026 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No

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JAWALA RAM 2026.07.06 11:49 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document

Rano Bai v. State of Punjab and Others

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Rano Bai v. State of Punjab and Others

Case brief

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