The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly reprimanded a mother involved in a contentious custody battle with her estranged husband over their 12-year-old daughter. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, heading the bench, expressed concern over the child’s mental state and criticised the mother’s role in influencing her.

“You are unnecessarily dragging your child into this. You are spoiling her career, you are spoiling her mind. This will come back someday,” Chief Justice Gavai remarked during the hearing.

The sharp observations came after it was revealed that the minor girl had refused to live with her father unless he paid Rs 1 crore. She had also previously hit him with a stick and accused him of “harassing” her mother, warning she would not cooperate unless her conditions were met.

The father’s legal counsel, a senior advocate, informed the bench that although a district court had awarded him custody, the mother had refused to follow the order. Her challenge to the ruling is still pending before the High Court. Despite this, she has continued to retain the child unlawfully. The father’s contempt petition was dismissed by the High Court, prompting him to approach the Supreme Court.

The father expressed willingness to resolve the matter through mediation. The mother, represented by advocate Anubha Agrawal, agreed to consider the option.

– Ends

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