K. Vinod Chandran, J.:— By order dated 27.08.2021, especially looking at the Certificate produced by the party respondent concerning the mental status assessment of the alleged detenue, we issued some directions. The 2 respondent was directed to take his daughter to the District Medical Officer, Thiruvananthapuram, who was directed to constitute a medical team and assess the mental condition of the alleged detenue. The 2 respondent was also directed to produce his daughter, the alleged detenue, before the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority [for brevity, ‘the DLSA’], Thiruvananthapuram on 02.09.2021.
2. The Secretary, DLSA, Thiruvananthapuram today facilitated video conferencing for the daughter of the 2 respondent. We interacted with the alleged detenue and she expressed her desire to continue with her parents. She alleged that she was misled and the marriage, if at all entered into, is for reason of a misrepresentation by the petitioner. The Secretary, DLSA, Thiruvananthapuram also informed us that on interacting with the alleged detenue, she had clearly expressed her mind that she wants to continue with her parents.
3. The medical report dated 01.09.2021 of the Board, as directed by us, was produced before us. The same is marked as Court Exhibit-C1. The findings of the Board are as under:
“She is having complaints of low mood, lack of interest in previously pleasurable activities, easy fatiguability, decreased sleep and appetite, expressing ideas of helplessness, hopelessness and occasional deliberate self harm ideas. Also gives history of delayed milestones of development, needs assistance in daily activities, sometimes requiring physical assistance in daily chores, poor scholastic performance and subnormal intelligence.
She is diagnosed as having Moderate Depressive Episode with somatic symptoms, Mental Retardation.”
4. In the totality of the circumstances, we are convinced that the subject is not under any detention and that she requires parental care. We hence reject the writ petition.