Alok Singh
The Supreme Court on Tuesday addressed a petition by Anju Devi (Subhash’s mother), seeking custody of her four-year-old grandson after her son, Atul Subhash, died by suicide in December.
Atul, an AI professional, had accused his estranged wife, Nikita Singhani and her family of harassment before his death.
During the hearing, Nikita’s counsel informed the court that the child, currently enrolled in a boarding school in Faridabad, would soon be relocated to Bengaluru, as Nikita must stay there under her bail conditions. Justice BV Nagarathna remarked, “You are virtually a stranger to the child,” emphasizing the limited interaction between the grandmother and the child.
Anju Devi’s counsel argued that a child of tender age should not be in a boarding school. However, the court underscored that Nikita, as the surviving parent, is the child’s natural guardian and directed her to produce the child in court on January 20.
Following Atul’s death, Nikita and her family were charged with abetment to suicide. Though granted bail, the Karnataka High Court ruled that sufficient evidence exists for further investigation.
The court stressed that Nikita is presumed innocent until proven guilty and advised against media-driven conclusions. It directed both parties to focus on the child’s welfare while the legal process continues.