The Rajasthan High Court has taken serious note of a birth certificate allegedly showing a missing girl as a major, after a police status report placed before the Court found the document to be forged and issued contrary to statutory requirements.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Mahendar Kumar Goyal and Justice Chandra Shekhar Sharma passed the order on August 7, 2026, in a habeas corpus petition concerning a missing girl
Background of the Case
The matter came before the Jaipur Bench after the Court had earlier directed the authorities to submit a status report. The report dated August 6, 2026, was furnished by the Station House Officer of Police Station Kotwali, Bharatpur.
According to the report, a birth certificate issued on June 12, 2026, by the Registrar, Rundh Ikran, Sewar, Bharatpur, recorded the missing girl's date of birth as January 1, 2003. On verification, however, the certificate was found to be forged, fabricated and issued against statutory provisions.
The Court noted that it had recently encountered similar habeas corpus matters where birth certificates were produced to show missing girls as adults, but subsequent inquiries raised questions about their validity.
Court's Observation
The Bench described the issue as a “serious matter”, observing that issuance of such certificates without following the statutory requirements could have criminal-law consequences and could also interfere with the administration of justice.
The Court therefore directed the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, to examine the issue and issue necessary instructions to authorities so that birth certificates are not issued casually or without proper verification. It also directed that appropriate disciplinary proceedings be taken against officials found responsible.
Concern Over Delay in FIR Registration
The Bench also examined the circumstances surrounding FIR No. 0189 dated July 10, 2026, registered at Police Station Chiksana, Bharatpur.
The order recorded that the police had allegedly declined to register the FIR despite repeated requests. A representation sent to the District Superintendent of Police on June 29, 2026, also did not receive a response.
Taking note of this, the Court directed the District Superintendent of Police, Bharatpur, to file an affidavit explaining why contempt proceedings should not be initiated over the alleged failure to register the FIR despite the facts disclosed. The officer was also directed to ensure a free and fair investigation at the earliest.
Decision
The Government Advocate-cum-Additional Advocate General undertook to inform the concerned officers and submit a compliance report within two weeks.
The Court granted three days' time for production of the missing girl and listed the matter for August 11, 2026.
Case Details:
Case Title: Bhuri W/o Bhagwan Singh v. State of Rajasthan
Case Number: D.B. Habeas Corpus Petition No. 261/2026
Judge: Justice Mahendar Kumar Goyal and Justice Chandra Shekhar Sharma
Decision Date: August 7, 2026
