Considering the provisions of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, the Supreme Court in which…

Both Jijabai Vithalrao Gajre and Githa Hariharan recognise that a living father does not invariably prevent the mother acting as natural guardian. Jijabai concerned an indifferent father who had ceased caring for the child; Githa reads “after him” in section 6(a) as absence in the relevant sense, not necessarily death. Child welfare remains paramount. Apparel Export Promotion Council concerns workplace sexual harassment, not this guardianship rule.