The Kerala High Court recently ruled that separating a one-year-and-four-month-old child from its breastfeeding mother is a violation of the mother's right to breastfeed and the child's right to be breastfed. The court also emphasized the State's responsibility to promote nutrition which implicitly supports breastfeeding practices. The case involved a custody battle between a mother and father, highlighting the court's decision to prioritize the child's best interests and the mother's right to care for her child. The court also criticised the biased decision of the Child Welfare Committee and directed the father to hand over custody of the child to the mother immediately.
Protecting the Bond: Breastfeeding Rights in Kerala High Court Ruling
Background:
Breastfeeding holds immense significance for both the mother and child, providing essential nutrition, bonding, and emotional support. In recent years, legal frameworks have been established to safeguard these rights and promote breastfeeding practices.
Kerala High Court Ruling:
On May 6, 2023, the Kerala High Court delivered a landmark ruling in a custody battle between a mother and father. The court declared that separating a one-year-and-four-month-old child from its breastfeeding mother violated the mother's right to breastfeed and the child's right to be breastfed.
The court acknowledged that breastfeeding is an integral part of motherhood and contributes to the child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. It emphasized the State's responsibility to promote nutrition, which implicitly supports breastfeeding practices.
The court's decision was driven by concerns over the Child Welfare Committee's biased decision, which prioritized the father's rights over the child's best interests. The court directed the father to hand over custody of the child to the mother immediately.
Implications:
The Kerala High Court ruling has significant implications for breastfeeding rights and child welfare in India:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: What rights does a mother have regarding breastfeeding?
A: A mother has the right to breastfeed her child without interference or discrimination, as recognized by the Kerala High Court ruling and international conventions.
Q2: What is the Child Welfare Committee's role in breastfeeding-related custody cases?
A: Child Welfare Committees are responsible for ensuring the welfare of children, including their breastfeeding rights. They should make decisions based on the best interests of the child and consider the importance of maintaining the mother-child bond through breastfeeding.
Q3: Can a father prevent a breastfeeding mother from having custody of her child?
A: In general, no. While both parents have rights regarding their child, the child's well-being is paramount. Courts will prioritize the rights of the breastfeeding mother and the child's need for continuous access to breast milk.
Q4: What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother and child?
A: Breastfeeding provides essential nutrition for the child and protects against infections. It also promotes bonding, reduces the mother's risk of certain diseases, and supports the child's long-term health outcomes.
Q5: How can breastfeeding rights be promoted?
A: Promoting breastfeeding rights requires a multi-faceted approach, including public education, supporting breastfeeding mothers in workplaces and public spaces, and ensuring access to affordable and quality breastfeeding support services.
The recent decision by the Andhra Pradesh High Court to restore the membership of MLC Indukuri Raghu Raju has cast doubt over the upcoming MLC election in Vizianagaram. The disqualification of Raju, who belongs to the YSR Congress Party, was due to allegations of anti-party activities. While the ruling party has named a new candidate for the election, the opposition TDP is yet to announce its candidate. With just weeks to go before the election, the district election machinery is in a state of confusion as to whether there will be an election at all.
As the Maharashtra Assembly Elections of 2024 near, campaigning is in full swing with parties vying for majority seats. However, police and a poll flying squad seized 2,700 ration kits containing campaign materials from an independent candidate in Nagpur, leading to a case being registered. This seizure shows the heightened competitiveness of the upcoming elections.
Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, condemns the current Pakistani government for undermining democracy and suppressing dissent. He criticizes the government for using unconstitutional means to protect their power grab, including censoring the media and seizing control of the Supreme Court. Khan calls on his party and the Pakistani people to fight for their rights and freedoms, declaring his willingness to face consequences for resistance.
In a press conference on Monday, the head of Japan's Democratic Party for the People, Yuichiro Tamaki, admitted to having an extramarital affair as reported in a magazine. The scandal has caused a stir in the country, especially since the party had recently gained more seats in parliament. Tamaki plans to listen to his peers' opinions before deciding whether to step down as head of the party, but he has stated that he has no intention of resigning as a lawmaker.
Former President Donald Trump voiced his support for Bitcoin at the 2024 conference in Nashville, Tennessee. He labeled the cryptocurrency as the future of currency, causing a surge in Bitcoin's value. This comes after Trump's recent praise for blockchain technology and his own involvement in the industry.
In an intense exchange of fire between police and suspected militants in Manipur, 10 people were killed, including a CRPF jawan, marking the highest number of fatalities in a single day this year. The incident occurred in the Jiribam district, close to the hills of the Hmar community, one of the tribes involved in the ongoing conflict in the state. The violence comes days after the killing of a woman from the Hmar community, with a group representing armed Hmars claiming that those killed in the exchange of fire were "village volunteers" retaliating against her death. The situation remains tense in the district, with indefinite prohibitory orders issued by the district administration.
Usha Chilukuri Vance has been thrust into the spotlight as her husband, JD Vance, joins the political arena as Vice President. Born in San Diego to Indian immigrants, she comes from a family of accomplished academics. Her impressive academic background and support for her husband make her a force to be reckoned with. However, Usha has largely remained out of the political limelight, focusing on her career and family.
On the afternoon of November 11, 2024, armed militants launched an attack on a CRPF post and nearby police station in Jiribam District, India. The security forces responded with strong retaliation, resulting in one injured CRPF constable named Sanjeev Kumar. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of militant attacks in the region and the bravery of security forces in defending against them.
As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, national leaders take a backseat as state leaders become the focal point of the political landscape. With marquee leaders like Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena and Devendra Fadnavis of BJP fighting for their own dominance, the role of regional leaders becomes crucial. Amidst this, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar faces the heat while Uddhav Thackeray struggles to establish himself as the real Shiv Sena leader. The Congress also adopts a localised strategy, leaving the NCP camp to rely on the master strategist, Sharad Pawar. With multiple factors at play, the Maharashtra elections have become a highly contested battle with each of the 288 constituencies being influenced by distinct issues.
Several shops belonging to the Meitei community were set ablaze by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur's Jiribam district, raising questions about the effectiveness of security forces. The attacks took place within close proximity of a police station, highlighting the urgent need for increased security measures to protect the local population. This incident is part of the ongoing violence in Manipur, which has caused displacement and destruction.