JUDGMENT

(Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of habeas corpus directing the respondents to secure and produce the petitioner''s friend, Mr.Palani, aged 71 years, before this Court from the illegal custody of respondent nos. 3 and 4 and set him at liberty forthwith.)

M. SUNDAR, J.,

1. Captioned ''Habeas Corpus Petition'' (hereinafter ''HCP'' for the sake of brevity) has been filed stating that one Palani, aged 71 years who owns some immovable property has been detained in rehabilitation centre by his family by incorrectly saying that he is addicted to liquor.

2. Ms.S.Vidya, learned counsel on record for the petitioner is before us. To be noted, the petitioner is a member of the Bar.

3. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and after hearing Ms.S.Vidya, learned counsel on record for petitioner, we deemed it appropriate to direct the Additional Public Prosecutor to accept notice for the official respondents (Respondents 1 and 2). To be noted, respondents 3 and 4 are private respondents and we are informed that they are the family members of the aforementioned Mr.Palani who shall be referred to as ''absentee''