Ranjit Barman v. The State Of West Bengal And ORS

Item No.01 16.02.2026 Court. No. 7 Sandip/AGM CALCUTTA HIGH COURT

IN THE CIRCUIT BENCH AT JALPAIGURI

APPELLATE JURISDICTION WPA (H) 1 of 2026 Ranjit Barman Vs.

The State of West Bengal & Ors.

Mr. Arijit Ghosh Ms. Angana Rakshit Ms. Sudipa Ghosh Ms. Avisikta Das ...for the Petitioner.

Mr. Joyjit Choudhury, Ld. AAG, MS. Bedashruti Bose, Mr. Sandip Guha Roy ...for the State.

1. Learned Additional Advocate General appears and submits that the minor has been recovered by the police authorities.

2. Mr. Joyjit Choudhury refers to the Case Diary and the statement of the minor given to the police authorities. The minor's statement is also available in the e-sakshya portal.

3. The Court interacted with her. We understand from our detailed interaction with the minor that she had left her house to meet one Bikram Das, with whom she had a love relationship. She stayed with Bikram's family, who did not allow any intimacy with Baikram. The minor informs us that

her parents are too strict, they misbehave with her and have stopped her education. They have tried to get her married. She is ready to go to her parents, but she fears that she will be again forced to give up her education and be restricted from leading a normal life. She also tells us that her parents had fixed her marriage with one Abhijit Barman, who comes to the house regularly. She is not willing to get married.

4. Mr. Ranjit Barman, the father of the minor has also interacted with us. He assures us that he has no intention to get his daughter married. Although, he submits that, as his daughter was too outgoing he was contemplating her marriage. He also assures that his daughter will go to school regularly.

5. Under such circumstances, the writ petition is disposed of, upon recording that the police authorities have recovered the victim. They tried to get a medical examination done, but she refused. The police authorities will hand over the minor to the father, who is present in Court. The father will take delivery of his daughter from the concerned police station upon signing relevant documents. The police authorities shall keep a vigil to prevent repetition of such a situation. They should ensure that the girl goes to school.

6. Considering the case record and the statement of the minor, we are of the view that this is not a case of wrongful restraint or confinement, in which a writ of Habeas Corpus should be issued. The authorities shall ensure that the child is allowed to go to the school to continue her education. The Headmistress/Teacher-in-Charge of the school will also keep a close watch.

7. The parties are to act on the basis of the server copy of this order.

(Shampa Sarkar, J.) (Smita Das De, J.)