High Court Rules Police Stations Inappropriate For Child Visits, Advocates Secure And Suitable Venues

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that police stations are unsuitable locations for parents to meet their children, as the environment can exacerbate the emotional stress associated with parental separation.

The decision came from a division bench led by Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Donadi Ramesh, which modified a previous order by the Bareilly Family Court. The case involved a father’s appeal against a Family Court decision permitting him to visit his child at a police station. The High Court observed that such visits are detrimental to a child’s well-being, exposing them to distressing and inappropriate sights and sounds that could have long-lasting negative effects.

The Court emphasized that a police station is not a fitting venue for visitation, given that it may subject the child to unsettling experiences, such as witnessing crime scenes or encountering the harsh realities of law enforcement, which are not suitable for a child’s sensitive perception.

Instead, the Court suggested that visitation should occur within the premises of the Bareilly Family Court or another location where adequate security arrangements can be made. The Court has directed the parties involved to file a revision application with the Family Court for further proceedings.