SC terms detention of woman by parents illegal, expresses anguish over K'taka HC proceedings
New Delhi, Jan 17: Terming as illegal the detention of a 25-year-old woman by her parents, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked them to set her at liberty, and castigated the Karnataka High Court for "total lack of sensitivity" while handling the case.
The top court was hearing an appeal by a man challenging the order of the Karnataka High Court on his habeas corpus petition against the parents of his partner.
A person in detention, or someone acting on their behalf, may petition high courts or the Supreme Court for their production before court if they feel they have been detained unlawfully.
Taking note of the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta interacted with the woman, her parents as well as the parents of the man before passing the directions.
The bench noted that the woman, being a mature major, desires to go with the parents of the man.
"We hold that the continued detention of respondent (woman) by respondent nos.4 and 5 (her parents) is illegal," the bench said, adding, "In any case, a major girl cannot be compelled to do something against her wishes."
The top court also expressed its anguish at the manner in which the high court dealt with the matter.
"When in a habeas corpus petition the detenue had in unequivocal terms expressed before the high court that she desired to go back to Dubai to pursue her career, the high court ought to have passed the order setting her at liberty with immediate effect," it said.
The bench said adjourning the matter on 14 occasions and posting it in 2025, depicts a "total lack of sensitivity" on the part of the high court in such a matter.
"Because of such lackadaisical approach, the petitioner (man) and his parents have been compelled to make frequent trips from Dubai to Bengaluru just to ensure the well being of the detenue When the question of liberty of a person is involved even a day's delay counts," it said.
While disposing of the plea, the bench directed the parents of the woman to hand over to her the passport, other important documents and personal belongings within 48 hours.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
