Chaini Parwani
Published On: December 28, 2021 at 11:30 IST
The Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court imposed a fine worth ₹1 lakh on a police officer for keeping a married woman in a rehabilitation centre against her will.
A Bench headed by Justice NS Sanjay Gowda while addressing a Plea submitted by the woman praying her release from the Rehabilitation Centre meant for Human Trafficking Victims.
The Petitioner, married in 2004 and had a daughter out of wedlock, decided to move out of her husband’s house along with the kid in 2011 over a family dispute.
Further the Petitioner noted that after her husband submitted a missing complaint with police.
Furthermore, when summoned by the Police she had stated that she was in love with a man living in the neighbourhood and wanted to live with him, hence she decided to end her marriage.
The Defendant in the case, inspector Balasaheb Patil had directed the woman to reconcile with her husband and further sent her to the Rehabilitation Centre when she decided to live on her own.
Further the Court while highlighting that the woman was kept in illegal detention for 6 months stated “This reflects a lack of humanity and sensitivity on the part of the police inspector,” said the Court.
In its order, the Court ordered that the Police Officer and Rehabilitation Centre must pay the fine to the court and the registrar should deposit the amount in the name of the girl child as a fixed amount and the petitioner can take the interest.
