Father lives alone, child needs constant care: Karnataka High Court grants mother custody

The Karnataka High Court has awarded permanent custody of a seven-year-old girl with special needs to her mother, emphasizing that the child necessitates her mother's constant care and treatment. The court expressed hope that the parents' love and affection for their daughter would aid them in reconciling their differences for her well-being.

Justices D K Singh and T M Nadaf pointed out that the child's father resided alone and ordered him to pay Rs 25,000 monthly towards the child's maintenance. The high court, hearing an appeal by the mother, overturned a February 2024 family court decision granting custody to the father. The father, present in court, stated he wished to prioritize the child's welfare, was awaiting his wife's return, and desired to maintain the marriage for a healthy marital life and the child's welfare.

The court acknowledged the child's need for round-the-clock care and directed the husband to increase the maintenance from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000, considering the special needs of the girl.