In view of the lifestyles in urban areas where working women have little time for her children, a Delhi court has said that a minor child cannot always be handed over to his or her mother in a custody dispute.


"It cannot be ignored that there is a societal shift, particularly in urban areas, where women in addition to the traditional role of housekeeping have also undertaken the role of a bread earner," Additional District Judge, Kamini Lau said.


The court emphasized on a need to re-look at the approach adopted by the judiciary which often leans in favour of a mother as a natural guardian, for the custody of a minor child.


A petition filed by Sakshi, seeking custody of her nine-and-half-year-old daughter, who lives with her in-laws; post her husband's death, led to passing this order.


On the plea of the mother who is a nurse, the court questioned the child, who expressed her desire of living with her grandparents with whom she was right since her birth.