Heartbreaking Ruling: Supreme Court Declares Deceased Techie’s Mother a "Stranger" in Custody Battle Over Grandson

A grieving mother is pursuing custody of her grandson after her techie son passed away. She claims that her daughter-in-law has been concealing the child's whereabouts, prompting concerns over the child's well-being and family dynamics.

The mother of a Bengaluru software engineer who tragically died by suicide has made an appeal for custody of her grandson, alleging that her daughter-in-law has been concealing the child’s whereabouts. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly following the father's distressing suicide note, which detailed claims of harassment and extortion directed towards him from his estranged wife and her family.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declined the mother’s request for custody, stating that she does not have a direct relationship with the child, describing her as a “stranger to the child.” The court has instructed for the child to be brought before it in the next hearing scheduled for January 20. This ruling emphasizes the complexity and sensitivity of custody disputes in the wake of family tragedies.

The deceased engineer, who was 34 years old and originally hailing from Uttar Pradesh, highlighted his distress in a note that outlined the emotional turmoil he faced. His mother, in her petition, expressed concern over her daughter-in-law's actions, claiming that the child's location had been deliberately withheld from her.

During the proceedings, a bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and N Kotiswar Singh observed that it would be more appropriate for custody matters to be discussed before the court handling the ongoing trial related to the harassment case. The bench pointed out that merely wishing to see the child does not equate to an established bond necessary for custody.

Legal representation for the estranged wife informed the court that the child is currently enrolled in a boarding school in Haryana. They conveyed the plan for the child’s return to Bengaluru, revealing that the child had been withdrawn from the school. The legal counsel pointed out that the mother must remain in Bengaluru due to her bail conditions.

In a counterargument, the deceased’s mother’s attorney contended that children under the age of six should not be placed in boarding institutions and presented photographs reflecting the mother’s interactions with the child when he was just two years old. This evidence was intended to establish a connection between the grandmother and her grandson.

The apex court took serious note of these proceedings, insisting that the child must be presented during the next court session on January 20. The court emphasized the need to approach this matter with caution rather than succumbing to public opinion, underscoring that a resolution must be grounded in legal principles instead of media narratives.

In the wake of the suicide incident, the police took swift action following the discoveries of the techie’s notes, leading them to file charges against his estranged wife and her family under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which includes provisions for addressing abetment of suicide. Subsequent to these developments, the estranged wife, along with her mother and brother, were granted bail by a local civil court earlier this month.

The unfolding legal battle illustrates the intricacies surrounding familial relationships affected by tragic circumstances, particularly when it comes to the welfare of young children. The court’s determination to prioritize the child’s well-being amid ongoing legal disputes serves as a reminder of the importance of navigating such sensitive cases with care and integrity.