The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld the requirement for parents to report offenses against their child under the POCSO Act. It refused to quash an application against a mother for failing to report her son’s sexual harassment, leading to his suicide. The case highlights legal obligations and judicial discretion under the POCSO Act.
The Delhi High Court ruled that an adulterous spouse is not automatically an incompetent parent, emphasizing that custody decisions should prioritize the child’s welfare over moral failings. The court upheld joint custody, reiterating that an extramarital relationship should not be the sole factor in denying custody unless it proves harmful to the child.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that a parent cannot be accused of kidnapping their own child, emphasizing a mother’s role as a lawful guardian. The decision, made in the backdrop of a strained parental relationship, prioritizes the child’s best interest and reinforces equal parental rights, with significant implications for regional kidnapping laws and parental rights.