Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 10
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered initiation of action against a man claiming to be the guardian of a minor. The direction came after the man furnished incorrect information after being asked about the names of the minor's parents.
Justice Lalit Batra directed the Amritsar Commissioner of Police to take appropriate action against Gurmukh Singh after holding he deserved to be prosecuted under the relevant provisions of law. Justice Batra asserted his illegal designs of kidnapping the minor girl either for getting her married against her wishes or forcing her to indulge in an illicit act was "attracted".
Girl to stay at Ashiana
The fact that she (minor) is not willing to go to her parental home, for her welfare and best interest, it would be appropriate that she must stay at Ashiana, Chandigarh. —High Court
Coming to the minor's rescue, Justice Batra made it clear she would be kept in Ashiana — a government-recognised institution. The matter was brought to Justice Batra's notice after the minor through Gurmukh moved court for protection of life and liberty.
At the asking of the court, Punjab Additional Advocate-General Mehardeep Singh accepted the notice on behalf of the official respondents.
Appearing before Justice Batra's Bench, Gurmukh admitted he was not related to the minor, but had planned her marriage with a near relation. On further query, he could not tell the correct names of her parents. Taking note of his ignorance, Justice Batra asserted Gurmukh by no stretch of imagination could be said to be the minor's guardian.
Responding to a court query, the minor submitted she was brought by Gurmukh on the pretext of her higher education. She did not wish to marry and was interested in pursuing further studies, but did not want to go to her parental home.
Directing the UT SSP to take over her custody, Justice Batra asked him to take appropriate action for protecting her life and liberty. Justice Batra also made it clear the expenditure would be borne by the Punjab Government. "Since her welfare is of utmost importance, the UT Child Welfare Committee is directed to ascertain her well-being during her stayhellip;," Justice Batra added.
from The Tribune https://ift.tt/321zwon
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