The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that a parent cannot be accused of kidnapping their own child, stating both parents are equal guardians unless a court order says otherwise. The case involved a mother who took her son from his father while he was abroad, prompted by the child’s distress. The court prioritized the child’s welfare in custody discussions.
Today(on 24th April), The Punjab and Haryana High Court clarified kidnapping charges for minors leaving home voluntarily, granting anticipatory bail in a 17-year-old’s alleged abduction. The ruling states that if a minor voluntarily leaves home and accompanies the accused, the accused cannot be prosecuted for kidnapping. The court emphasized evaluating the minor’s autonomy in decision-making before pressing charges.
