‘Child not a commodity’: Karnataka High Court fines father for forcibly taking away child

On Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on a man who forcibly removed his minor daughter from his estranged wife at a court premises in July, and ordered him to bring the child before the Bengaluru family court on August 25. Justice Dr Chillakur Sumalatha expressed her disdain for the father's abrupt and unlawful action, stating that adults and children alike possess equal human rights.

The court emphasized that the child's right to a dignified life, free from abuse, and the right to education were all violated by the father's action. The incident occurred on July 18, when the mother had moved to Pune with her daughter to attend her divorce proceedings filed in 2015. Despite being urged to return the child to her mother, the father refused.

The court ruled that the father's custody claim shall be suspended until proof of payment of the fine is presented, with Rs 1 lakh to be deposited in the Army Welfare Fund and the rest as a fixed deposit in a bank under the name of the minor daughter. The court highlighted the need for special care, protection, and empathy towards children, considering them the most vulnerable members of society.