Child Was ‘Heavily Tutored’ and Used as a ‘Pawn’: Allahabad High Court Transfers Five-Year-Old Girl’s Custody to Father

The Allahabad High Court temporarily transferred custody of a five-year-old girl to her father, observing that she appeared “heavily tutored” and was being used as a “pawn” in her parents’ matrimonial dispute. The interim order was passed in a habeas corpus petition.

Reviewing Framework to Prevent Use of Children in Election Campaigns: ECI Informed Madras HC

The Election Commission of India informed the Madras High Court that it is reviewing guidelines to strengthen restrictions on the use of children in election campaigns. The exercise follows allegations of minors being involved in political campaigning and electoral influence during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Zeal for TRPs: Delhi High Court Raps Aaj Tak, Upholds Rs.5 Lakh Compensation for Exposing Child Sexual Abuse Survivor

The Delhi High Court said Aaj Tak, “probably in the zeal of securing higher TRPs,” violated the privacy and confidentiality rights of a child sexual abuse survivor, while upholding a Rs.5 lakh compensation order against the broadcaster.

Misinformation Spreads Beyond Repair: PIL in Supreme Court Seeks Judicial Panel to Regulate Online Fake News

A PIL before the Supreme Court seeks an independent judicial commission to frame constitutional safeguards against online misinformation. Filed under Article 32, the plea highlights risks from algorithm-driven content amplification, viral fake narratives and children’s social media access, arguing that existing laws lag behind digital challenges.

Very Negative Attitude, Not Acceptable: Supreme Court Slams CARA Over Child Adoption Delay

The Supreme Court criticised authorities over delays in a child adoption application, calling the issue bureaucratic red tape. A Bench led by Justice BV Nagarathna questioned CARA’s rejection of the maternal aunt’s plea, observing that a family member seeking adoption should not face unnecessary hurdles.

Interest of Child Is Supreme, Institutional Care Must Be Last Resort: Patna HC Grants Bail to 14-Year-Old in POCSO Case

The Patna High Court granted bail to a 14-year-old boy accused in a POCSO case, holding institutional care should be a last resort. Justice Arun Kumar Jha said bail cannot be denied to a child in conflict with law without statutory grounds under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Mother Not The Only Natural Caregiver, Child Not Safe In Custody Of Woman Who Doesn’t Care For Husband: Pune Court

The Pune family court granted interim custody of a minor child to his Singapore-based father, observing that the child’s welfare would be better served in his care. The court noted alleged non-compliance with orders and stressed that custody must focus on the child’s best interests.

Defeat The Ends Of Justice, Visually Impaired Minor Identified Accused By Voice: Punjab And Haryana HC Rejects Bail For Three Juveniles 

The Punjab and Haryana High Court rejected bail pleas of three juveniles accused in a sexual assault case involving a visually impaired minor girl. The Court noted that the victim identified the accused through their voices and observed that release would defeat justice.

Father Cannot Have Girl Child’s Custody Without Court Order: Madhya Pradesh HC Restores 7-Year-Old Girl’s Custody To Mother

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered immediate restoration of custody of a seven-year-old girl to her mother, holding that the father could not retain custody without a court order. The Court noted the child’s wish to live with her mother.

No Psychological Assessment Of The Child Should Be Conducted If Found Unnecessary: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has ruled that psychological evaluation of a child should not be treated as a routine measure in custody disputes before Family Courts. The Court clarified that no assessment should be conducted if a psychologist’s report finds it unnecessary or undesirable for the child’s welfare.