In a dramatic courtroom incident, the Punjab and Haryana High Court transferred the interim custody of two children to their mother after the father, allegedly intoxicated, assaulted her lawyer within the court premises.
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Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has transferred the interim custody of two minor children to their mother after their father allegedly assaulted the mother’s counsel within the court premises — reportedly in a drunken state.
Justice Alka Sarin, presiding over the contempt petition (COCP-5131-2024), described the father’s conduct as “unruly” and emphasized that the decision was made to protect the welfare and safety of the children.
Background
The matter came before the court in a contempt petition filed by the petitioner-mother against the respondent-father. The court had previously expressed deep concern about the ongoing custody battle and its impact on the couple’s three minor children.
In an earlier order dated September 25, 2025, Justice Sarin had remarked:
“It is unfortunate that in a dispute between a couple, the children are being used as pawns. The children have been unfortunately separated and no effort is being made by either of the parties to at least ensure that the siblings remain in touch with each other.”
Following that observation, the parents agreed to a visitation arrangement, the father was to bring the two children living with him to their mother’s residence on October 2, 2025, to spend time with their elder sister.
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The Incident
However, during the hearing on October 8, 2025, counsel for the petitioner, Ms. Simi Kandra, informed the court that the respondent had failed to comply with the prior order, bringing the children late and allowing them to stay for only an hour.
The matter escalated dramatically when, during the lunch break, the respondent allegedly assaulted Ms. Kandra within the court premises while under the influence of alcohol.
The court noted:
“It was informed that during the lunch break the respondent hit the counsel for the petitioner and that he was in a totally drunken state.”
The police were immediately called to the scene, and the respondent was taken into custody.
Mr. Sartej Singh Narula, President of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association, appeared before the court and confirmed the arrest, assuring that the Bar Association would extend all necessary assistance to the victim’s counsel.
In a further blow to the respondent, his own lawyer, Mr. Parvinder Singh, informed the court that his client had “refused to comply with the order dated 25.09.2025” and sought to withdraw his power of attorney due to his client’s “unruly behaviour.” It was also brought to the court’s notice that the respondent may have entered the court without a valid pass.
Court’s Observations and Custody Order
Expressing grave concern over the events, particularly as all three minor children were present in court, Justice Sarin personally interacted with the two younger children who had been staying with their father. The court recorded:
“Both the children have expressed their willingness to accompany the petitioner-mother.”
The mother assured the court that she would take full responsibility for their care.
Justice Sarin, citing the need to safeguard the children’s welfare, ruled:
“Keeping in view the happenings of today and the unruly behaviour of the respondent, this Court deems it appropriate to hand over the custody of both the minor children (Baby KXXXX and Baby PXXXX) whose custody was with the respondent-father, to the petitioner-mother as an interim measure.”
Given the petitioner’s fear that the respondent might “create a ruckus or indulge in unruly behaviour,” the court directed the Chandigarh Police to provide protection.
Mr. Manish Bansal, Public Prosecutor for UT Chandigarh, assured the court that:
“Adequate security would be provided in order to safeguard the life and interest of the minor children as well as the petitioner.”
The matter has been listed for its next hearing on October 31, 2025.
Appearance:
Petitioner: Simi Kandra, Advocate
Respondent: Parvinder Singh, Advocate
UT Chandigarh: Manish Bansal, PP
Case Title:
BALJEET KAUR V/S VIMAL PARKASH
COCP-5131-2024 (O&M)
Read Order:
