When such a diverse family unit breaks down, children suffer as they are dragged into an international legal battle between their parents. Chauhan, a former Supreme Court judge, describes inter-spousal child removal as one of the most unfortunate outcomes of such break ups. The Protection of Children (Inter-Country Removal and Retention) Bill, 2016 seeks to address the issue. The Commission proposes to apply the law to those wrongfully removed or retained children in India who have not completed 16 years. The court can order return if it is established that the child is not settled in his/her new environment.

Source: The Hindu November 30, 2017 18:45 UTC