The High Court of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday declined to release a Bangladeshi woman lodged in a detention centre in Indore, but directed the State to ensure that her long-pending criminal trial is completed within six months.
The Division Bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Lima @ Riya Sheikh, who has been in custody for over six years.
Read also:- Calcutta High Court Enhances Accident Compensation to ₹6 Lakh for Court Employee
Background of the Case
According to the court record Lima @ Riya Sheikh v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Others the petitioner approached the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution seeking multiple reliefs. She claimed that despite being granted bail in the criminal case against her, she continued to remain in custody and termed it illegal and unconstitutional.
She sought immediate release from what she described as unlawful detention, transfer to the care of a recognized organization, speedy conclusion of her trial within six months, compensation for prolonged detention, and directions for coordination with the concerned embassy for repatriation.
The State, represented by the Additional Advocate General, informed the Bench that the petitioner is an accused in Crime No. 70 of 2020. The charges against her include offences under the Indian Penal Code - such as wrongful confinement, kidnapping for ransom, assault and criminal intimidation - along with violations under the Foreigners Act and the Passports Act.
Read also:- Karnataka High Court Reinstates KSRTC Guard, Says No Termination Without Proper Inquiry and Fair
Why She Remains in Detention
During the hearing, the State clarified that although the petitioner was granted bail earlier, her trial is still pending. Because she is a foreign national, she has been kept in a detention centre located within the District Jail, Indore, in accordance with the Foreigners Act, 1967 and the Foreigners Order, 1948.
The government also placed on record an order passed by the District Magistrate, Indore, permitting her temporary stay in the detention centre.
The Bench noted this distinction carefully. “The petitioner is in the detention center and not in jail,” the court observed, making it clear that it was not inclined to order her release at this stage.
Read also:- Calcutta High Court Orders Cancellation of OBC Certificate of Gram Panchayat Pradhan
Court’s Observations
The judges took note of two important factors - the pendency of the criminal trial and the petitioner’s nationality.
“It is not in dispute that the trial is still pending and the presence of the petitioner may be required at any time during the trial,” the Bench recorded.
The court also referred to the “present international scenario,” stating that keeping her in the detention centre was necessary for her safety.
However, the judges expressed concern over the delay in completing the trial. The matter has remained pending for more than six years.
Recognizing this prolonged delay, the Bench directed the State counsel to instruct the prosecution agency to expedite the proceedings. Witnesses must be produced and the trial must move forward without further delay.
Read also:- Calcutta High Court Partly Allows Discharge Plea in 498A Case, Drops Attempt to Homicide Charge
The Decision
While refusing to grant the relief of immediate release from the detention centre, the High Court directed that the trial be concluded within six months from the date a certified copy of the order is received.
The court added that if there is no meaningful progress in the trial within that period, the petitioner will be free to approach the court again for appropriate directions.
A copy of the order has also been directed to be placed before the concerned trial court to ensure compliance.
With these directions, the writ petition was disposed of.
Case Title: Lima @ Riya Sheikh v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Others
Case No.: Writ Petition No. 5831 of 2026
Decision Date: 23 February 2026
