Lahore High Court orders custody of three children to mother

The Lahore High Court has ordered that three children be handed over to their mother in a custody dispute, emphasising that the welfare and best interests of children must remain the primary consideration in such cases.

The court also set aside the July 27 decision of the Additional Sessions Judge, Sheikhupura, regarding the custody of the children.

During the proceedings, the court observed that the welfare of a child holds fundamental importance when determining custody. It noted that children cannot be treated as the property of either parent and that a decision regarding their permanent custody cannot be made merely on the basis of the parents’ relationship.

The Lahore High Court further observed that the question of permanent custody should ultimately be decided by the Guardian Court after taking into account the welfare and best interests of the children.

The court noted that, in exceptional circumstances, the High Court has the authority to order the immediate restoration of a child’s custody when circumstances warrant such intervention.

The court also clarified that the father was free to approach the Guardian Court and present his claim for permanent custody of the children.

The ruling came in connection with a custody dispute between the parents. After reviewing the circumstances of the case, the High Court directed that all three children be handed over to their mother.

The court’s observations underscored that custody proceedings should focus primarily on the children’s welfare rather than the competing claims or rights of the parents.