Overview

• Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B Varale invoked the court’s rare review power under Article 137 to reverse their prior August 2024 custody decision.
• Clinical psychologist reports from Christian Medical College, Vellore, showed the boy suffered acute anxiety and fear after his custody was transferred to his father.
• The court restored full custody to the mother and instructed her to facilitate regular visitation for the father.
• Judges barred any permanent relocation of the child outside India, permitting travel only during Onam, Christmas and half of his summer break.
• The ruling highlights that custody orders are not immutable and must evolve under the doctrine of parens patriae in the child's best interest.