Madras High Court Directs FIR Against Man in False Habeas Corpus Case
The Madras High Court has issued a significant directive to the Dindigul district police, ordering them to register a First Information Report (FIR) against a man who filed a habeas corpus petition to locate his missing mother. This decision came after the court uncovered that the petitioner had attempted to loot properties from his adoptive mother, casting serious doubt on the legitimacy of his claims.
Background of the Case
The case originated from a petition filed by S Selvaganesh, who claimed to be the adopted son of C Jeyalakshmi, a 72-year-old spinster. Selvaganesh approached the Dindigul Taluk police station on November 8, 2025, reporting that his mother had gone missing from their home. Subsequently, he moved the court, alleging that Jeyalakshmi was under illegal detention at a home in Theni, where a trustee was allegedly extracting money from her.
Mother's Testimony Reveals Fraud
When police produced Jeyalakshmi before the court, she provided a starkly different account. She confirmed that she is a spinster and had adopted Selvaganesh as her son in 2021, unaware of his true character. Jeyalakshmi disclosed that she owns several properties and, taking advantage of her vulnerability with no one to look after her, Selvaganesh forged her signature to loot these assets.
Furthermore, Jeyalakshmi stated that she had fled to the home in Theni on her own volition due to life threats issued by Selvaganesh. She emphasized that she was safe there and not under any illegal detention. To protect her interests, she had already lodged complaints with authorities to cancel the fraudulent documents and with the police seeking action against her adopted son.
Court's Observations and Ruling
A division bench comprising Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan and Justice R Poornima closely examined the facts. The judges observed that Selvaganesh had lodged a false complaint and approached the court with a habeas corpus petition, making baseless allegations against the home where his mother was residing. Given that Jeyalakshmi was not in illegal custody, the court dismissed the petition outright.
In a strong move to deter such misuse of legal processes, the bench imposed a cost of ₹1 lakh on Selvaganesh, payable to the Legal Services Authority attached to the Madurai bench. The judges also directed the district registrar of the registration department to take immediate action on Jeyalakshmi's complaint to cancel the documents executed through forgery.
Key Directives Issued by the Court
- Order the Dindigul police to register an FIR against Selvaganesh and proceed in accordance with the law.
- Ensure adequate police protection is provided to Jeyalakshmi to safeguard her safety and well-being.
- Instruct the registration department to promptly address the complaint regarding the fraudulent property documents.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and ensuring that legal avenues are not misused for personal gain. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigation in habeas corpus petitions, particularly when financial motives are involved.
