PANAJI: Stating that two children would be deprived of their father’s love and affection if they are not allowed to meet their father for Diwali, a Panaji court permitted him to meet them for two hours during the festival.
The court directed their mother to take the children aged 9 and 5 to her husband’s house and bring them back home. “Though, it has been pointed out that the children are terrorised by the presence of the father, I do not find so after interacting with them,” the court stated.
The children also have a right to be loved by their grandparents who live with the father, the court further added.
“The children are of tender age and thus, have a right to have the love, affection and company of both their parents. It is required to ensure that the children do not lose social, physical and psychological contact with their father,” the court stated.
The father filed an application for temporary custody of the children for one day under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act stating that his wife has refused to allow him to meet the children even on birthdays despite several requests.
The mother stated that she fears that it is not safe for the children to visit the temple or to be in any locality or meet their father.
“The wishes of these children are noted and taken into account. So also, the welfare of the children is of prime importance. There must be a balance between these wishes and the welfare, which should be kept foremost,” the court stated.