A.K. Sikri, J.

The Association for Social Justice and Research, the petitioner herein has filed this petition for a direction in the nature of habeas corpus to trace minor child Chandni @ Chandrawati, daughter of Mr. Vijay Pal. It is stated that the said girl is only 11-12 years of age and at this tender age, her parents have married her for consideration to one Mr. Yashpal, resident of Village and Post - Baliana who is stated to be 40 years of age. It is further stated that on coming to know about this incident, several civil society groups came up to rescue the child, but failed to trace the girl. The petitioner-Association has, in fact, constituted a fact-finding inquiry. The said team as well as Mahila Panchayat working for the cause of gender justice and equality for women came to know from the residents of locality that the father of Chandni has married his minor daughter for consideration to one Mr. Yashpal, respondent No. 13. It is also alleged in the petition that the respondent No. 13 has kept her in hiding.

2. Directions were given to the concerned Police Station to trace and produce the girl. Matter was adjourned from time to time, as in the beginning police aut