Pune: A dispute between divorced parents regarding the father’s visitation rights to their child escalated to the court but was eventually resolved through successful counseling. The conflict, which had resurfaced despite a previous settlement, was amicably resolved when the father agreed to withdraw his request for child visitation.
The couple had got married on July 5, 2005, following Hindu traditions. Initially, their marital life was stable, and they were blessed with a son, who is now 8 years old. However, due to growing ideological differences, the couple mutually decided to part ways and filed for divorce. Their petition was granted in August 2021, with the court awarding custody of the child to the mother.
Following the divorce, the mother allowed the father to meet their son. However, due to personality differences, tensions arose between them once again. The situation worsened when the mother, citing the father's addiction issues and inability to care for the child, denied him further visitation rights.
Feeling deprived of his parental rights, the father, represented by advocate Atul Gund Patil, approached the court, seeking legal permission to meet his child. The mother, on the other hand, was represented by advocate Sachinkumar Gelda, who was assisted by advocate Amol Bhosale.
During the hearing, the mother argued that her decision to stop the father from meeting the child was based on concerns about his addiction and inability to provide proper care. The case was subsequently referred to a Lok Adalat for mediation.
During the counseling sessions, both parties were made to understand the potential negative impact of prolonged disputes on the child’s mental well-being and future. After deliberation, the father chose to withdraw his demand for visitation, leading to an amicable resolution of the case.