HC Gives 8-Year-Old Child's Custody to Caregiver Over Grandparents

The Court Emphasised on the Importance of the Child's Emotional Needs, Which Overrides Biological Ties

- Karuna Nidhi

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Monday chose a caregiver over biological grandparents for the custody of a minor boy, an orphan, because of the "great bond" shared between the child and the caregiver. The court emphasised on the importance of the child's emotional needs, which overrides the biological ties.

The eight-year-old lost his mother, Iona, to Covid-19 and father, Jonny, to an accident in 2021 and 2023 respectively. The minor has been staying with the caregiver ever since. The child's grandparents filed a guardianship petition in 2024, seeking his permanent custody, stating their close relationship and financial stability to raise him. On the other hand, Iona's cousin, Steffi Genovevo Fernandes, who was engaged to Johnny before his death, was taking care of the minor after his mother's death.