New Delhi, India – The Supreme Court of India today delivered a landmark ruling prioritizing a child’s welfare above all else, reversing its own previous custody order after noting the “calamitous effect” it had on the 12-year-old boy’s mental health. Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B Varale emphasized that custody decisions must be “moulded” to serve the child’s best interests, acknowledging these factors are “ever evolving.” The Court cited a psychologist’s report indicating severe separation anxiety, deeming it “extremely harsh” to expect the child to adjust to an unfamiliar household after primarily living with his mother and stepfather.
Beyond today’s significant judgment, the apex court’s calendar is set for crucial hearings. A batch of pleas seeking a review of its 2022 verdict upholding extensive powers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) will be heard on July 31, 2025. The review will specifically address the mandatory supply of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) to the accused and the reversal of the burden of proof.
Next week will also see the Supreme Court take up a petition concerning the NEET-UG 2025 re-test plea. Students have sought a re-examination, citing severe performance disruption due to prolonged power outages at several examination centres in Madhya Pradesh during the May 4 test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been issued a notice for a response.
In related news, while the Chief Justice of India did not hold court today, other benches continued their proceedings. The Court recently acquitted a man on death row for 11 years due to insufficient evidence and, in a separate ruling, emphasized that compelling a “dead marriage” to continue only perpetuates mental agony, allowing divorce using its special powers under Article 142.
