R.Anand Kiruba v. Geleena Godwin

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 16.07.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.KUMARESH BABU R.Anand Kiruba ... Petitioner vs.

Geleena Godwin ... Respondent PRAYER: Original Petition filed under Sections 3, 7 to 10 & 25 of Guardians and Wards Act 1890 read with Clause 17 of the Letters Patent read with Order XXI Rule 2 of OS Rules to pray the following reliefs:- a) to declare the petitioner as the sole guardian of the person of the child, Adrian John Lee aged about 14 years.

b) to grant permanent custody of the minor child Adrian John Lee, aged about 14 years to the petitioner herein c) to pass such other/further relief as this Court may deem fit for the circumstances of the case.

For Petitioner : Mr.G.M.Anantha Kumar For Respondent : Mr.Auxilla Peter

ORDER

This petition is presented by the petitioner, the father of the minor 1/4

child, Adrian John Lee, seeking to appoint himself as the legal guardian of the minor and to grant him permanent custody of the said child.

2. The petitioner states that the petitioner and the respondent got married on 09.05.2011 and were blessed with a male child, Adrian John Lee, born on 24.11.2012. Due to irreconcilable differences, the marriage between the petitioner and the respondent has irretrievably broken down. The minor child has been in the custody of the respondent, and the petitioner alleges that he has been denied visitation rights by the respondent. Therefore, the present petition is filed seeking legal guardianship and permanent custody of the minor child in favour of the petitioner.

3. When the matter came up for hearing on 29.04.2025, the learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the parties were willing to explore the possibility of a settlement. Accordingly, this Court referred the matter for mediation before the Mediation Centre attached to this Court.

4. Pursuant to the mediation proceedings, the parties amicably resolved their disputes and entered into a settlement agreement on 08.05.2025. As per the terms of the said settlement, the petitioner has agreed 2/4

to appoint the respondent, the mother of the minor, as the legal guardian and has also agreed to grant permanent custody of the minor child to her.

5. The learned counsel for the respondent also submits that the matter was settled between the parties.

6. In view of the amicable settlement between the parties, this Original Petition is disposed of in terms of the settlement agreement dated 08.05.2025. The terms and conditions set out in the said settlement agreement shall form part and parcel of this order. 16.07.2025 Gba Index :Yes/No Speaking order: Yes/ No 3/4

K.KUMARESH BABU,J.

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