Introduction
Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a complex issue that emerges in the context of child custody disputes. It involves one parent (the alienating parent) manipulating a child to reject the other parent (the targeted parent), often leading to long-term emotional and psychological harm to the child. While PAS has gained significant recognition globally, its status in Indian law remains somewhat ambiguous. This article explores the legal recognition of PAS in Indian courts, examines relevant Indian laws, and reviews recent case law developments.
Understanding Parental Alienation Syndrome
Parental Alienation Syndrome, first coined by Dr. Richard Gardner in the 1980s, describes a situation where a child becomes estranged from one parent due to the psychological manipulation by the other parent. The syndrome is characterized by unjustified denigration and rejection of one parent, often without valid reasons. It’s important to note that PAS is distinct from cases where a child’s rejection of a parent is justified, such as in instances of abuse or neglect.
Legal Framework in India
In India, there is no specific law addressing Parental Alienation Syndrome. However, the legal framework governing child custody and the welfare of children provides some avenues to address issues related to PAS. The following laws are relevant in this context:
1. The Guardian and Wards Act, 1890: This Act is one of the primary laws governing the appointment of guardians for minors in India. Section 17 of the Act emphasizes that the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration in deciding guardianship and custody matters. The court, while determining custody, considers the child’s age, sex, religion, character, and the parent’s capacity to provide a safe and healthy environment.
2. Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956: Applicable to Hindus, this Act also prioritizes the welfare of the child in custody disputes. Section 6 of the Act designates the father as the natural guardian of a minor, but courts have increasingly considered the child’s best interests over this statutory presumption.
3. The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Sections 26 and 27 of the Act deal with child custody and property matters in divorce proceedings. The courts have broad discretion to pass orders regarding the custody, maintenance, and education of minor children, ensuring that the child’s welfare is the primary concern.
4. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act): Although primarily designed to protect women from domestic violence, the DV Act also provides for child custody orders. Under Section 21, the court can grant temporary custody of children to the aggrieved person and restrain the respondent from disturbing the custody arrangement.
Judicial Recognition of Parental Alienation Syndrome
Indian courts have not explicitly recognized PAS as a medical or psychological syndrome, but the underlying concept of parental alienation has been acknowledged in several judgments. Courts have increasingly become aware of the detrimental impact of one parent’s influence over the child to alienate the other parent.
1. Vivek Singh v. Romani Singh (2017): In this landmark case, the Supreme Court of India dealt with issues of custody and visitation rights. The Court recognized the importance of a child maintaining a healthy relationship with both parents and noted the adverse impact of parental alienation. The judgment emphasized that the court must be vigilant in ensuring that a parent does not manipulate the child to alienate the other parent. The Court directed that any custody arrangement must facilitate the child’s emotional and psychological well-being, including maintaining a bond with both parents.
2. Aparna Bhat v. Mukesh Bhat (2020): The Delhi High Court, while deciding a custody battle, discussed the concept of parental alienation and its adverse effects on children. The court noted that when one parent attempts to influence the child against the other parent, it is crucial to take corrective measures to protect the child’s mental health. The court ordered joint custody in this case, ensuring that both parents had a role in the child’s upbringing.
3. Nivedita Sharma v. Rajeev Sharma (2022): The Punjab and Haryana High Court, in this case, highlighted the importance of preventing parental alienation in custody disputes. The court observed that denying access to one parent could have long-lasting psychological effects on the child. The court ruled that both parents should have access to the child, and any attempts to alienate the child from one parent would not be in the child’s best interest.
Challenges in Addressing Parental Alienation
Despite judicial acknowledgment, several challenges persist in addressing PAS in India:
1. Lack of Specific Legislation: Unlike some countries that have specific laws addressing PAS, India lacks a dedicated legal framework. This absence makes it difficult for courts to identify and address PAS systematically.
2. Judicial Discretion: The broad discretion granted to courts in custody matters can lead to inconsistent judgments. While some courts have recognized and acted against parental alienation, others may not give it due importance, leading to varied outcomes.
3. Lack of Awareness: There is a general lack of awareness about PAS among legal practitioners, judges, and even parents. This lack of understanding can result in the failure to identify and address cases of parental alienation effectively.
4. Enforcement Issues: Even when courts recognize PAS and issue orders to protect the child’s welfare, enforcement remains a challenge. Ensuring compliance with custody and visitation orders is often difficult, especially when one parent is determined to alienate the child.
Conclusion
Parental Alienation Syndrome poses a significant challenge in child custody disputes, with the potential to cause long-lasting harm to children. While Indian courts have started to acknowledge the detrimental effects of parental alienation, there is a pressing need for specific legislation or guidelines to address this issue more effectively. The welfare of the child must remain the paramount consideration in all custody matters, and steps should be taken to prevent and mitigate the effects of parental alienation.
Moving forward, it is crucial for legal practitioners and courts to be more aware of PAS and its implications. Greater awareness and consistent judicial approaches can help ensure that the best interests of the child are always protected, allowing children to maintain healthy relationships with both parents, free from undue influence and manipulation.
Advocate Charu Shishodia (Legal Associate)
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