Court Discusses Custody Plea for Son of Atul Subhash
The Supreme Court of India has directed that the four-year-old son of deceased AI techie Atul Subhash be presented during the next hearing in a contentious custody battle between his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and Atul’s mother, Anju Devi. The case, which has sparked nationwide discussions, revolves around the child’s future amidst allegations of harassment, legal disputes, and a tragic suicide.
Child’s Whereabouts and Custody Dispute
During the hearing, Nikita’s lawyer informed the court that the child had been placed in a Faridabad boarding school following her arrest and subsequent release on bail. The lawyer further stated that the child would soon be moved to Bengaluru, where Nikita is required to reside under her bail conditions. Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, presiding over the case, emphasized that the child must be brought to court for the next hearing.
Anju Devi, the grandmother, has filed for custody of the child, arguing that a child under six years should not be placed in a boarding school. However, the bench observed that the child had spent limited time with his grandmother, remarking that the petitioner was effectively a “stranger” to the boy.
Tragic Backstory and Legal Complexities
Atul Subhash died by suicide on December 9 in his Bengaluru flat, leaving behind an 81-minute video and a 24-page note accusing Nikita and her family of filing false cases against him and his parents. These cases, Atul alleged, were part of an extortion attempt. His mother claims the emotional toll led to his tragic death.
Nikita, her mother Nisha, and her brother Anurag are currently out on bail, facing charges of abetment to suicide. The court emphasized that Nikita is yet to be proven guilty and cautioned against public judgment based on media narratives.
Marriage and Legal Fallout
Atul and Nikita married in 2019, and their son was born in 2020. The relationship soured in 2021 when Nikita left the marital home following a dispute. In 2022, she filed legal cases against Atul and his family, escalating tensions between the two families.
The court reiterated that custody decisions should be addressed in the appropriate legal forums and deferred any resolution until the January 20 hearing.
A Broader Debate
The case has reignited discussions on the misuse of laws designed to protect women, with critics arguing that such instances highlight systemic biases against men in domestic disputes. The tragic circumstances of Atul’s death have also brought attention to the emotional toll of legal conflicts on families.
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