Petitioners allowed to submit detailed representation for Child Access and Custody Guidelines, initiating a consultative process with stakeholders.
In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has directed the petitioners in a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the formulation of Child Access and Custody Guidelines along with a Parenting Plan to approach the court's administrative side. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, heard the case titled "Ayushman Initiative For Child Rights v. High Court of Delhi."
The petitioners, represented by Mr. Manav Gupta and his team of advocates, argued that similar guidelines have already been implemented by the High Courts of Calcutta and Karnataka. They emphasized the necessity of such guidelines to streamline child custody and access issues, ensuring the welfare of children in custody disputes.
The court, while acknowledging the submissions, found it appropriate to direct the petitioners to make an exhaustive representation to the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court within a fortnight. This representation must include all documents and evidence relied upon in the writ petition.
The Registrar General, upon receiving the representation, is instructed to present the matter to the appropriate committee or authority. The committee is expected to consider the formulation of a policy in consultation with relevant stakeholders, taking into account the prayers made in the petition.
This decision highlights the court's commitment to addressing child custody issues through an inclusive and consultative process, involving multiple stakeholders for effective policy formulation. The petition and associated applications have been disposed of with these observations, marking a significant step towards potential reforms in child custody and access regulations.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation - Petition concerning Child Access and Custody Guidelines along with Parenting Plan - Petitioners permitted to approach the Court on Administrative Side through Registrar General with exhaustive representation enclosing relied documents.
Statutory provision(s):
Public Interest Litigation, Child Access and Custody Guidelines, Parenting Plan, Administrative Side Procedure of the Court.
