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.
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.
The Chhattisgarh High Court permitted a 14-year-old rape survivor to terminate her pregnancy beyond 28 weeks, holding that forcing her to continue an unwanted pregnancy would violate her dignity, bodily autonomy, privacy and reproductive rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Delhi High Court upheld a Family Court order directing a DNA test, ruling that a child’s right to know biological parentage outweighs an adult’s concern over reputation. The Court observed that truth cannot be suppressed merely because it causes personal discomfort.
The Chhattisgarh High Court observed that no child can be compelled to recite Hindu prayers in government schools while hearing a plea challenging the State government’s June 12 circular. The Court stressed that participation in religious prayers cannot be forced on students.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a mother’s habeas corpus plea seeking custody of her four-year-old daughter living with father in Singapore. The Court held disputed international custody matters should be decided by Family Court, not writ jurisdiction.
