SC dismisses Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash's mother's plea for child custody, allowing him to remain with his mother, Nikita Singhania, amid legal battles following Subhash's suicide.
The Supreme Court of India on Monday dismissed the plea filed by the mother of deceased Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash, seeking custody of her grandson, who is currently residing with her daughter-in-law, Nikita Singhania. The Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma interacted with the child before allowing him to remain with his mother.
Court Proceedings
- The Supreme Court dismissed the grandmother's plea, stating it was not inclined to entertain the request.
- The grandmother alleged that Nikita was concealing the child's whereabouts.
- On December 20, the Court had sought responses from the States of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Karnataka, directing them to ascertain the minor child's location.
Background of the Case
- Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old software engineer, died by suicide in Bengaluru, leaving behind an elaborate suicide note and video.
- In his note and video, he accused his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of harassing him and filing false cases related to their ongoing divorce, alimony, and child custody dispute in a family court in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur.
- Following his death, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against Nikita and her three family members under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 3(5) (criminal act with common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Legal Developments
- Nikita Singhania, along with her mother and brother, was arrested by the Bengaluru police, but was later granted bail by a Bengaluru court.
- The case gained significant traction on social media, with many advocating for the arrest and strict legal action against Nikita and her family.
Source: Hindustan Times
