“Court emphasises media trial cannot determine custody; orders child to be presented in next hearing amid custody battle.”
January 7, 2025: New Delhi: The Supreme Court today addressed the ongoing custody dispute over the four-year-old son of techie Atul Subhash, who tragically died by suicide in December. Atul’s mother, Anju Devi, has sought custody of her grandson, while the child’s mother, Nikita Singhania, revealed in court that the boy is currently enrolled in a boarding school in Faridabad, Haryana.
Case Background
Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old tech professional, died by suicide in December 2024, leaving behind an 81-minute video and a 24-page note. In his final message, he accused his wife Nikita and her family members of harassment, false allegations, and financial extortion. Nikita, along with her mother Nisha Singhania and brother Anurag Singhania, was booked under abetment to suicide charges and later granted bail.
Also Read: Bail Battle Intensifies: Atul Subhash’s Wife Accused of Using Child as Leverage in Court
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, Nikita’s lawyer informed the court that the child was enrolled in a boarding school in Faridabad during her arrest and subsequent bail period. The lawyer also stated that the child would now be moved to Bengaluru, as Nikita is required to remain there as part of her bail conditions.
“We will take the child to Bengaluru. The boy has been removed from the school, and Nikita must remain in Bengaluru to comply with the bail conditions,” her lawyer stated before the bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswar Singh.
The court ordered Nikita to present the child during the next hearing.
Grandmother’s Custody Plea
Anju Devi, Atul’s mother, argued that a child under six years of age should not be placed in a boarding school and requested custody of her grandson. Her lawyer also submitted photographs of Anju Devi interacting with the child when he was two years old, arguing that the bond between them is well-established.
However, the bench noted, “Sorry to say, but the child is a stranger to the petitioner,” highlighting the limited time the child has spent with his grandmother.
Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court stressed that custody matters cannot be influenced by media narratives and must follow due legal procedures. It also clarified that Nikita is presumed innocent until proven guilty and that custody matters will have to be addressed in the appropriate trial court.
Next Steps
The court scheduled the next hearing for January 20 and instructed both parties to prepare for further arguments. Until then, the child will remain under Nikita’s care in Bengaluru, with arrangements to ensure his safety and well-being.
The case has sparked significant public debate about legal misuse, mental health pressures, and custodial rights, shedding light on the complexities of family disputes in the judicial system.
