New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events reminiscent of a Bollywood movie, the Supreme Court on Wednesday strongly criticized the Karnataka High Court for its lack of sensitivity in handling a habeas corpus petition filed by a Keralite man, Kevin Joy Verghese. The petition sought the release of his 25-year-old Tamil girlfriend, Ms. Chidamabaram, who claimed to be illegally confined by her parents.
Despite Ms. Chidamabaram’s repeated pleas and 14 adjournments, the High Court’s delayed approach led Kevin to approach the Supreme Court. The girl’s parents, Kevin’s parents, and the concerned individuals were present before the bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta.
The judges, after separate interactions with each party, declared the continued detention of the girl illegal, emphasizing that a major individual cannot be compelled to act against their wishes. The bench directed the Chidambarams to release their daughter within 48 hours, including returning her passport, documents, and belongings. The court warned of initiating suo motu contempt proceedings if the orders were not followed.
Shining a spotlight on the sluggish progress of the habeas corpus petition, Justice Gavai-led bench expressed anguish at the Karnataka High Court‘s handling of the matter. They criticized the court for not promptly releasing Ms. Chidamabaram when she explicitly expressed her desire to return to Dubai for her career.
The judges remarked, “Adjourning the matter on fourteen occasions and now postponing it indefinitely and posting it in the year 2025 depicts a total lack of sensitivity on the part of the High Court in such a matter.” They noted that the delay contributed to Ms. Chidamabaram’s further illegal detention, forcing Kevin and his parents to make frequent trips from Dubai to Bengaluru.
Granting the girl’s wish to accompany Kevin’s parents to Dubai, the Supreme Court disposed of Kevin’s petition but scheduled another hearing on January 22 to receive a compliance report from the concerned inspector at J P Nagar police station in Bengaluru. The court’s intervention finally brought an end to the Bollywood-style saga of Ms. Chidamabaram’s rescue from her parents’ illegal confinement.
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