2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 41729

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
G.R.Swaminathan, V.Lakshminarayanan, JJ
Sellam – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
H.C.P.NO.943 of 2026

The court exercises its jurisdiction under Article 226 to mandate that law enforcement agencies conduct an efficient investigation to locate missing persons when a complaint has been registered.

Headnote:The petitioner filed a writ of Habeas Corpus under Art. 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the production of her husband, who was reported missing. The court noted that a police case had already been registered and remained under investigation. The main issue was whether a Writ of Habeas Corpus was sustainable and what directions were required to expedite the search. The court reasoned that in cases involving missing persons where an investigation is ongoing, the appropriate remedy is for the court to direct law enforcement to diligently pursue all necessary investigative steps. The petition was disposed of with a direction to the police authorities to take all possible steps to locate the missing individual.