The Madras High Court has directed police in Dindigul district to register an FIR against a man who filed a habeas corpus petition alleging that his elderly adoptive mother was illegally detained, after the court found that the woman was safe and had accused him of forging documents to usurp her property.
Petition dismissed with ₹1 lakh cost
The division bench comprising Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan and Justice R Poornima was hearing a petition filed by S Selvaganesh, who claimed that his 72-year-old adoptive mother, C Jeyalakshmi, had been missing since November 8, 2025.
The petitioner alleged that she was being illegally detained at a private home in Theni and that the trustee was extracting money from her.
However, police produced Jeyalakshmi before the court. She stated that she is a spinster and had adopted Selvaganesh in 2021 without knowing his character. She further told the court that she owns several properties and that the petitioner had allegedly forged her signature and executed documents to grab her assets.
She also stated that she had moved to the home voluntarily after receiving life threats from him and that she was not under illegal custody.
Observing that the habeas corpus plea was filed on false grounds, the bench dismissed the petition and imposed a cost of ₹1 lakh on the petitioner, directing the amount to be paid to the Legal Services Authority attached to the Madurai Bench.
Action ordered against alleged forgery
The court directed the district registrar to take immediate action on Jeyalakshmi’s complaint seeking cancellation of documents allegedly executed through forged signatures.
It also ordered the Dindigul district police to register an FIR against the petitioner and proceed in accordance with law. Additionally, the court directed authorities to provide adequate protection to the elderly woman.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s firm stand against misuse of legal remedies and attempts to exploit senior citizens for property gains.