Supreme Court permits mother to relocate children to UK in POCSO case; September 2026 family law roundup
The Supreme Court in September 2026 permitted a mother to relocate her minor children to the United Kingdom, holding that the father's pending POCSO prosecution rendered him unfit for custody. The Court noted that the mother's employment changes and residence shifts did not constitute a "nomadic life" and prioritised the children's best interests and welfare.
The judgment considered the minor son's disclosure to a psychiatrist at NIMHANS, the subsequent POCSO FIR registration, and the charge-sheet filed after investigation. The Court expunged the High Court's premature observations on the veracity of POCSO allegations.
During September 2026, courts also pronounced judgments on talaq-e-hassan validity, Section 498-A IPC applicability to marriage-like relationships, child custody under Mohammedan Law, domestic violence proceedings, and wives' maintenance rights.
