Child’s best interests paramount in custody: Allahabad High Court

In disposing of the habeas corpus petition filed by the mother, Dr Bhavna Singh, Justice Sandeep Jain held that the welfare and best interests of the child are the paramount consideration in custody matters. The court ordered that custody of the minor be transferred to the mother, who is deemed capable of serving the child’s best interests. It noted that the father’s alcoholism, recent liver transplant, and financial dependency would not be conducive to the child’s welfare. The minor is to continue his education at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, as arranged by the mother, and both parents are granted monthly visitation in a non-disruptive environment at the school premises. The court also directed the headmaster to facilitate such visits. The judgment references the minor’s ongoing education for the 2026-2027 session.

The case notes that the father suffers from chronic alcoholism and underwent a liver transplant on January 12, 2025. It also states that the father is financially dependent, with medical expenses for the transplant borne by his mother, and that the minor currently resides with the father in Meerut.