T.Hayagrivan v. S.Arunachalam
Custody of minor child – Interim custody of female child aged about 4 years
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, Madurai Bench — C.M.A(MD)No.1077 of 2024 (with connected CMP(MD)Nos.11175 of 2024, 11314 and 20139 of 2025), decided 30/01/2026; Judgment delivered by G.K. ILANTHIRAIYAN, J., bench including R. POORNIMA, J. Father T. Hayagrivan (counsel: Henri Tiphagne) appealed under Section 19 of the Family Courts Act r/w Section 47 of the Guardian and Wards Act, 1870 against the Family Court, Madurai's order dated 15/07/2024 in G.W.O.P No.1164/2022 dismissing his petition for interim custody of his ~4-year-old daughter, alleging the mother (first respondent, counsel: K. Navaneetha Raja for respondents) suffered 'Bipolar disorder'; psychiatric certificate Ex.C1 found no primary psychiatric illness, and the appellant failed to appear before the Dean, Government Rajaji Hospital as directed. Held: natural mother best custodian of the young female child; no infirmity in the impugned order — appeal DISMISSED, connected miscellaneous petitions closed, no costs. No precedents cited; no monetary reliefs involved.