In a judgment aimed at the differences between an estranged couple not coming in the way of their relationship with the children, the Madras High Court has directed a woman to treat her husband at least as a venerable guest, in tune with the Indian principle of ‘ Atiti Devo Bhava’ [Guest is God], whenever he visits their child.
Justice Krishnan Ramasamy wrote that hatred is an emotion that gets taught and does not come naturally to children. Therefore, poisoning the minds of children by one parent against the another will amount to “child abuse.” Every child has a right and need for an unthreatened and loving relationship with both the parents, he added.
Observing he had come across numerous instances of non cooperation and ill-treatment of a spouse whenever he/she visits the child in the custody of the other spouse on the basis of court orders, the judge said, during separation, the couple may not be required to treat each other with love but humanity demands to be nice in front of their children.
