Overview
- The Indore bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi on February 23 declined habeas relief, citing the current international scenario and the petitioner’s safety.
- Prosecutors were directed to expedite the long-pending case within six months of receiving the certified order by producing witnesses and advancing the trial.
- The court noted the woman has spent more than six years in a detention centre and that her presence may be required at any time during the ongoing trial.
- The petitioner argued she was granted bail yet remains confined, while the State said she is held under a district magistrate’s order issued under the Foreigners Act framework.
- Serious charges were recorded, including IPC Section 364-A for kidnapping for ransom along with counts under the Foreigners Act and the Passports Act, with liberty granted to re-approach the court if no progress occurs.