RAJIV BHATIA vs GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI AN D ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the Delhi High Court's decision regarding the custody of Akansha, emphasizing that the validity of the adoption deed executed by the natural parents was questionable due to allegations of fraud and misrepresentation. The Court noted that the High Court found prima facie evidence suggesting that the natural mother would not have willingly given her three-year-old daughter for adoption. Consequently, the Court affirmed the High Court's order that custody should remain with the natural mother until a civil court decides otherwise, thereby reinforcing the importance of lawful custody and the need for proper legal proceedings in matters of child custody.