2005 INSC 0060
(Supreme Court Of India)

Premchand Jinrajsa Sahuji (D) By Lrs

v.

Surendra

(Ruma Pal and C.K. Thakker,Jj.,)

Special Leave to Petition (Civil) No. 8112 Of 2004 | 17-01-2005

1. We are of the view that having regard to the issues involved it is appropriate
that the Court should take expert opinion in the matter of custody of the girl
child, from a psychiatrist and if possible a social welfare worker. We
accordingly appoint Dr. Achal Bhagat, (Doctor in Apollo Hospital), (Sarthak),
24 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi-110 016 (Ph. No. 26853846) as the expert to
submit a report giving his opinion as to whether, given the circumstances, there
will be any adverse psychological impact on the child if the custody of the child
is made over to her father after having been with the relatives of the deceased
mother since her mother's death. For this purpose Dr. Bhagat is requested to
give his services to Court as an amicus curiae. Dr. Bhagat will be entitled to
take the assistance of any such welfare worker as he may desire for this
purpose. The Advocates-on-record of both the parties must render all assistance
to Dr. Bhagat. The child, the father or any other relative must appear before Dr.
Bhagat as and when he may require their presence. The opinion to be submitted
by 4th April, 2005.

2. The matter to come up thereafter.

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