Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered that the custody of a six-year-old girl be handed over to her mother, prioritising the child’s welfare and developmental needs. The girl had been living with her father’s family since October 2025. The matter was heard by the High Court on October 22.

The mother had approached the High Court through a habeas corpus petition after her efforts to regain custody through the police and other channels failed. She alleged that on October 4, 2025, members of her in-laws’ family separated her daughter from her while she was leaving her matrimonial home.

During the hearing, the High Court emphasised the girl’s young age and welfare. The court observed that a mother’s care and affection are important for a child’s development at such a tender age. Based on these considerations, it directed that the girl be handed over to her mother.

However, the court clarified that the order does not amount to a final decision on permanent custody. The competent court will determine the issue after hearing both parties and examining all relevant facts and circumstances, keeping the child’s best interests in mind.

Mother Alleges Harassment at Matrimonial Home

The petitioner, a resident of Chandigarh, married in December 2014, and her daughter was born in March 2020. According to the woman, her husband had moved to Kuwait for employment. She also alleged that she was subjected to mistreatment at her matrimonial home and that her complaints were not addressed despite her efforts to seek help.

The woman claimed that she was separated from her daughter while leaving her matrimonial home, after which the child began living with her father’s family. After attempts to secure custody through the police and family-level intervention proved unsuccessful, she approached the High Court.

Father’s Family Denies Allegations

The father’s family denied the woman’s allegations, maintaining that the child was being properly cared for. They claimed that the woman had left her matrimonial home of her own accord.

After considering the matter, the High Court ordered that the child be handed over to her mother for the time being. The question of permanent custody remains open and will be decided by the competent court after hearing both sides and assessing the circumstances in accordance with the child’s welfare.