In a significant ruling emphasizing family bonds, the Bombay High Court has intervened to reunite a 90-year-old grandmother with her teenage grandson. The court has issued specific directives to the child's mother, who resides in Delhi, to facilitate meetings, starting with a Christmas Day visit in Mumbai.
Court's Christmas Directive for Family Reunion
The case was brought before a division bench comprising Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Shyam C. Chandak. The petitioner, Sangeeta Sadhwani, a nonagenarian, had filed a habeas corpus petition stating she was completely deprived of meeting or communicating with her 14-year-old grandson following the death of her son several years ago. This estrangement, she contended, caused her severe emotional distress.
During proceedings, the child's mother informed the court that she and the boy were currently living in Delhi. Acknowledging the grandmother's plea and the festive season, the bench issued a clear order for an immediate meeting. The court directed that the minor be brought to Mumbai on December 25, Christmas Day. He is to be dropped at his grandmother's residence between 11:00 am and 12:00 noon and permitted to stay in her company until 5:00 pm.
Establishing a Permanent Visitation Schedule
Going beyond a one-time meeting, the High Court laid down a structured plan for ongoing contact. Recognizing that the mother would be traveling from Delhi, the judges also expected one additional visit to the grandmother before the mother's return to Delhi.
More importantly, the court mandated a monthly visitation schedule. It ordered that the child must meet his grandmother on either the second or fourth Sunday of every month without fail. The mother is responsible for either accompanying the child or ensuring his visit takes place as directed.
Legal Proceedings and Compliance
The grandmother was represented in court by M/s YNA Legal LLP, through advocates Anvee Mehta, Dr. Suruchi Deshpande Yusuf, and Dr. Yusuf Iqbal Yusuf. The police were also made a party to the petition. To ensure compliance and communication, the bench directed the child's mother to furnish her complete Delhi address and contact details to the investigating officer.
With these comprehensive directions in place, the bench disposed of the habeas corpus petition, holding that the reliefs sought by the grandmother had been substantially achieved. This ruling underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding emotional well-being and familial relationships across generations, even when family dynamics become strained.
