State of custody case abroad Activists are calling on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take a stronger interest in child custody cases in Western countries.
The call comes as the movie Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, which focuses on the diplomatic row between India and Norway in 2011.
The movie sheds light on cases where parents lose custody of their children over cultural differences in their upbringing
Child Custody norms in IndiaIndia’s child custody laws are governed by-
Guardians and Wards Act of 1890: It recognizes the welfare of the child as the paramount consideration in custody matters.
Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act of 1956: It deals with the custody and guardianship of Hindu children.
Indian law generally gives custody of children to the mother in case of young children, but the father can also seek custody.
The
Child Welfare Services in Norway is commonly known as
Barnevernet and is responsible for child protection in the country.
