SC Grants Custody of Atul Subhash’s Son to His Mother

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the four-year-old son of techie Atul Subhash, who tragically died by suicide in December 2024, will remain in the custody of his mother, Nikita Singhania. The court delivered its verdict on Monday evening, rejecting a plea by Atul Subhash’s mother, Anju Devi, who sought custody of the child. The decision follows a video link conversation with the child, as part of the court proceedings.

The child’s father, Atul Subhash, had accused his wife, Nikita Singhania, of harassment leading to his death, which subsequently led to the filing of charges against her and her family. Earlier in the month, Nikita Singhania had informed the court that the child was studying at a boarding school in Faridabad, Haryana, and that he would be withdrawn to accompany her to Bengaluru.

In the courtroom, as the hearing began, the petitioner’s lawyer had asked for more time to file a detailed affidavit. However, Justice BV Nagarathna, who was presiding over the case, dismissed the request, stating, “This is a habeas corpus petition… we want to see the child. Produce the child.”

After a brief 45-minute break, the child appeared on the video link, and the court took necessary measures to protect his identity by going offline except for the child’s image.

The case revolves around the tragic death of Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru-based techie, whose suicide has been linked to the alleged harassment by his estranged wife and her family. Following the tragedy, Atul Subhash’s mother approached the Supreme Court, seeking custody of her grandson. She had raised concerns over the child’s whereabouts, as Nikita Singhania and her family had not disclosed his location.

In the latest update, Singhania’s lawyer confirmed that the child would accompany her to Bengaluru, in accordance with her bail conditions. Atul Subhash’s father, Pawan Kumar, also publicly demanded custody, highlighting the ongoing family tensions surrounding the child’s future.

Nikita Singhania and her family are facing charges of abetting Atul Subhash’s suicide. While they were initially arrested, they were later granted bail.

The court’s decision underscores the importance of ensuring the child’s well-being amidst the ongoing legal battle and the tragedy that has unfolded.