Punjab & Haryana High Court says father not automatically entitled to child custody

The Punjab and Haryana High Court delivered a judgment clarifying that paternal status alone is insufficient for granting child custody.\nThe bench stressed that custody decisions must be anchored in the best interests of the child, evaluating factors such as the child's environment, emotional bonds, and each parent’s ability to provide care.\nThe ruling arose from a petition filed by a father seeking sole custody, which the court dismissed and directed the matter to be examined under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.\nLegal analysts note that the decision aligns with existing Indian jurisprudence, reinforcing that gender does not predetermine custodial rights.\nThe judgment is expected to influence family‑law disputes across the region, prompting parties to focus on welfare criteria rather than parental gender.