Krishnamoorthy, J.

In both these Original Petitions a common question arises and accordingly they are disposed of by a common judgment.

2. The question involved in O.P.No. 3771 of 1992 is as to whether the petitioner is entitled to maintain a petition for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus for the production of a girl, Deepa Ravindran, who is the daughter of the 1st respondent. The further question to be decided is as to whether the custody of a parent in the circumstances can be said U; be unlawful, warranting interference by this Court.

3. Petitioner alleges in his petition that himself and Deepa Ravindran were neighbours and that they have been in love for long eversince their childhood. The parents and other relatives were not agreeable to their relationship and on 11-3-1992, petitioner and Deepa eloped from their respective houses and were staying with the petitioner's mother's sister's daughter at a place called Narakathodu. It is further alleged in the petition that they entered into a registered marriage agreement (No. 42/82) dated 12-3-1992 before the Sub Registrar's Office, Thengana; a copy of the above agreement is produced as Ext. P1. According to the peti