Habeas Corpus: Mother Seeks Custody of Two Daughters; Bombay High Court Issues Notice

Bombay High Court. File photo

The Bombay High Court on Thursday (November 5, 2026) directed a man and his father to produce two children before the Court following a habeas corpus petition filed by the mother. A Division Bench of Justices Sarang V. Kotwal and Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale ordered the police to serve notice on the respondents and directed the production of the children at 3 p.m. on Friday (November 6, 2026).

The petition was filed on November 3 by Mansi Sharad Bansode, a resident of Wadala, under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. The Court issued notice to the State of Maharashtra, Harshad Madye, and Pramod Madye, returnable on November 6. The Bench directed officers of the Navghar Police Station in Bhayander to inform the respondents about the hearing date.

According to the petition, the incident occurred on November 1. Ms. Bansode stated that her husband and father-in-law consumed alcohol and subjected her to assault at the house in Bhayander East. She stated that her husband drove her out of the house. The respondents retained custody of the two daughters, aged seven years and one year.

The petition stated that Dishika, born on October 6, 2025, consumes breast milk. Ms. Bansode approached the Navghar Police Station after leaving the house. She requested assistance to secure custody of her daughters. The police did not register a complaint and directed her to approach a court.

The plea sought a writ of habeas corpus for the production of the daughters and restoration of custody. The petition stated that the birth certificates and documents remain in the possession of the respondents. The Court will hear the matter on November 6.