MAUSAMI MOITRA GANGULI vs JAYANTI GANGULI

The Supreme Court addressed the custody of a minor child under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 and the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956. The Court emphasized that the welfare of the child is paramount in custody disputes, ruling that the mother, despite having left the child at a young age, demonstrated a strong emotional bond and capability to provide for the child's needs. The Court upheld the Family Court's decision to grant custody to the mother, finding the father unfit due to his lifestyle and financial mismanagement.