Child’s Mother Becomes Natural Guardian After Father’s Death, Even If Child Lives Long-Term With Grandparents: Bombay High Court

In a significant judgment reinforcing the rights of a mother under the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, the Bombay High Court has ruled that after the death of the father, the mother becomes the natural guardian of a minor child and cannot be denied interim custody unless there is clear and compelling evidence that her guardianship would harm the welfare of the child. Background of the custody dispute The…