Court can order release of minor from custody of police or institution by handing custody to natural guardian.

(Order of the Court was made by G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.)

This Habeas Corpus Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents 1 and 2 to secure and produce the petitioner's daughter, namely, Durga Devi, before this Court. 2.Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondents 1 and 2.

3.The petitioner is the mother of the detenue, who is aged about 17 years. The detenue went missing from her house on 25.04.2026. Therefore, the petitioner lodged a complaint before the second respondent. On receipt of the said complaint, the second respondent registered a case in Crime No.139 of 2026 under girl missing.

4.Pending investigation, the second respondent secured the victim girl and produced her before this Court.

5.The minor victim girl appeared before this Court and stated that she is willing to go along with the petitioner, who is her mother.

6.In view of the above and considering the fact that the detenue/victim girl is a minor and is presently lodged in a Home, the custody of the detenue is handed over to the petitioner/mother.