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.

Forcing Minor Rape Survivor to Carry Pregnancy Violates Article 21 Rights: Chhattisgarh High Court Permits Late-Term Pregnancy Termination

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.

Reputation Cannot Become a Shield Against Truth: Delhi HC Upholds DNA Test to Establish Biological Parentage

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.

No Child Can Be Compelled to Recite Hindu Prayers in Schools: Chhattisgarh High Court

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.

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.

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.

Disputed Custody Matters Cannot Be Decided Through Habeas Corpus, Family Court Is The Appropriate Forum: Delhi HC Rejects Mother’s Plea

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.