Parents Cannot Use Habeas Corpus to Control Adult Daughter’s Life Decisions

The Kerala High Court dismissed habeas corpus petitions filed by parents seeking custody of their adult daughters who had chosen to pursue a spiritual life.

The Court held that habeas corpus can be invoked only in cases of illegal detention and not merely because parents disagree with their child’s life choices.

It noted that the women were educated adults acting out of free will, with no evidence of coercion or unlawful confinement.

Emphasising personal autonomy, the Court ruled that an adult’s decision regarding faith and lifestyle falls within their private domain, and parental dissatisfaction cannot justify judicial intervention.

[Joju George & Ors. v. State of Kerala & Ors.]