On Tuesday, October 3, the Supreme Court issued a directive to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, instructing them to re-evaluate the custody situation concerning the two minor sons of the deceased gangster-politician, Atiq Ahmad. The bench, consisting of Justices S. Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar, was deliberating on a plea initiated by Atiq Ahmad’s sister. She has been ardently seeking the custody of the two children, who, for the past seven months, have been residing in a child protection home.
This directive from the apex court is particularly significant given the findings of a report by a court-appointed expert. Dr. K.C. George, who is the retired Joint Director of the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, was designated by the Supreme Court on August 18 as a support person. His primary role was to ascertain the wishes and preferences of the children in this matter. His report revealed that the children expressed a distinct inclination, indicating that they
“don’t wish to stay in the childcare institution.”
Taking this report into consideration, the bench emphasized the need for the CWC to make an informed decision. They stated that the CWC should
“pass a reasoned order within a period of one week from Tuesday taking into account the report prepared by the court-appointed expert.”
Furthermore, during the hearing, the bench highlighted the importance of the children’s wishes and the expert’s findings. They noted,
“On hearing counsel for parties, we consider it appropriate that the registrar of the high court should forward to us as to what are the suits which are sought to be consolidated by the impugned order as there appears to be a little generality to the directions issued.”
This detailed narrative, enriched with direct quotations, offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the Supreme Court’s recent directive to the CWC. It underscores the paramount importance of considering the children’s wishes and the insights provided by experts in determining the best course of action for the minors’ welfare.