Calcutta High Court Orders Emotional Reunion of Minor Sisters with Parents After Three-Year Separation
In a heart-wrenching courtroom scene, the Calcutta High Court has directed the reunion of three minor sisters with their parents, ending a nearly three-year separation that stemmed from allegations of torture. The division bench, comprising Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Mohammed Shabbar Rashidi, issued the order on February 4, 2026, after an emotional interaction with the children and their parents.
Courtroom Tears Lead to Immediate Reunion
The three minor girls, who had been living in a government-run home in Salt Lake since March 2023, burst into tears during their court appearance. They expressed a strong desire to return to their parents, prompting the judges to order an immediate handover in the courtroom. The bench advised the parents to ensure a loving and caring environment for their daughters, emphasizing the importance of good parenting and avoiding future conflicts.
The court order stated, "All three children, in our interaction, stated that they would love to reside with their parents. We are pained to note that, despite our earlier orders, the Child Welfare Committee did not take any decision on the application for release of the children made by the petitioner. The interest of the children is of paramount consideration." The judges highlighted that the children would be better placed in their parents' custody, given the circumstances.
Quarterly Monitoring Mandated for Child Well-Being
To safeguard the development and welfare of the three girls, the Calcutta High Court has mandated that a probation officer submit quarterly reports to the Juvenile Justice Committee. This monitoring mechanism allows the committee to take additional measures if necessary. The order clarified that this arrangement does not prevent the Child Welfare Committee or the Juvenile Justice Committee from intervening in the future if the children's welfare requires it.
Background: Allegations and Legal Battles
The case originated in March 2023 when a neighbor in Kolkata filed a complaint at the local police station, alleging that the parents tortured the children and forced them out of their home due to family disputes. The neighbor claimed that residents rescued the girls, leading to the parents' arrest and subsequent bail. The children were then placed under the care of the Child Welfare Committee, which sent them to a government home.
In August 2023, the police submitted a chargesheet, but the parents' counsel argued that the investigation was inadequate. They contended that the mother had only scolded the eldest daughter for neglecting studies and that the police removed the children without parental consent. After being denied meetings with their daughters since November 2023, the parents repeatedly sought information from the police and filed a written representation for custody.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, the parents approached the Calcutta High Court in September 2025. Their counsel alleged that despite multiple applications to the police and Child Welfare Committee, the children were not returned. On January 27, 2026, the division bench ordered the girls to be produced in court on February 4, along with their parents, leading to the emotional reunion.
This case underscores the critical role of judicial intervention in protecting children's rights and reuniting families, while ensuring ongoing oversight to prevent future harm.
