The Supreme Court recently emphasized the importance of home-cooked meals in a child's life, stating that regular consumption of outside food can pose health risks. In a custody case involving an eight-year-old girl and her separated father, the court ruled that the girl should return to her mother due to the lack of proper nutrition and social interaction provided by the father during his custody periods. Although the father showed affection, his inability to consistently provide nutritious meals affected the court’s decision.

Further, the court expressed dissatisfaction with a previous Kerala High Court ruling that allowed the father to have custody of his three-year-old son for 15 days each month. The Supreme Court deemed this arrangement detrimental to the emotional and physical well-being of the young child, highlighting the greater emotional and moral support available at the mother’s residence.

Importance of Nutritious Meals in Child Development

In its judgment, the Supreme Court highlighted how essential home-cooked meals are for a child’s overall growth and development. Justice Mehta pointed out that continuous reliance on restaurant or hotel food could jeopardize even an adult’s health, making it unsuitable for an eight-year-old girl. This dietary concern played a pivotal role in the court's decision to transfer custody back to the mother, emphasizing the need for balanced nutrition.

The court elaborated that the absence of home-cooked meals not only impacts physical health but also affects psychological development. For a growing child, access to nutritious food is vital for maintaining energy levels, fostering brain development, and supporting immune function. In this particular case, the father’s professional commitments limited his ability to prepare such meals regularly, leading to concerns about the girl’s long-term health. Additionally, the bench noted that during the custody period, the girl lacked companionship beyond her father, which further diminished the quality of her living environment.

Emotional Support and Family Dynamics in Custody Decisions

Beyond dietary considerations, the Supreme Court also scrutinized the emotional and social aspects of the child’s upbringing. It was determined that staying with her father deprived the girl of meaningful interactions with other family members, including her younger brother. The court argued that these relationships contribute significantly to a child’s emotional stability and personal growth.

The judges underscored that the mother’s household, where the girl resides with extended family, provides a more nurturing atmosphere. With siblings and grandparents around, the environment fosters a sense of belonging and community, crucial for a child’s holistic development. Moreover, the court criticized the earlier Kerala High Court decision regarding the three-year-old boy, labeling it as “grossly unfair.” Such rulings disrupt familial bonds, particularly when children are too young to understand or cope with separation. To rectify this imbalance, the Supreme Court adjusted the visitation schedule, allowing the father alternate weekend visits and weekly video calls to maintain contact while prioritizing the children’s welfare.