What do you reply to someone who asks about a missing person, with the insistent questioning coming from parents or relatives?

If someone asks about an absent person with the intention of dealing with them in marriage or otherwise, you must inform them of what fulfills the purpose, even if it involves backbiting; because it is permissible for a legitimate, valid purpose. However, if the question is merely for jesting and joking, then it is not permissible, and obedience to parents is not obligatory in this matter; because obedience is only in what is right.