Patna HC Seeks DM Report in Alleged Illegal Detention After Love Marriage

Brief By Newsbrief / 6:50 PM on 20 Jan 2026

The Patna High Court has sought a detailed response from the district administration in a case alleging illegal detention of an adult woman following a love marriage. Hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Bunty Kumar, the court directed the state government to submit a comprehensive affidavit through the concerned District Magistrate.

The petitioner alleged that after his marriage on December 3, 2025, his wife was forcibly taken away by her father with alleged police assistance and has remained untraceable since. During the hearing, the petitioner produced his wife’s matriculation certificate to establish that both parties are adults.

After examining the records, the bench observed that prima facie, the detention of an adult woman by her father against her will cannot be justified under law. The court also issued notices to the private respondents, including the woman’s father. The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 16, 2026, when the District Magistrate’s report will be reviewed to determine the next course of action.