Supreme Court Criticizes Dubai Court's Travel Ban on Minor in Custody Dispute

The Supreme Court issued notice in a habeas corpus plea filed by a Ghanaian father residing in Dubai seeking visitation rights for his minor son.

The Court  criticized a Dubai court's order restricting the child's travel as "atrocious" and a violation of human rights, likening it to "house arrest."

The bench questioned the jurisdiction of the Dubai court, noting that both parents are Christians married under the Foreign Marriage Act, 1969, and thus not governed by Shariah law.

The child's mother, a resident of Bengaluru, allegedly took the child to India, citing abuse, despite existing Dubai court orders granting the father access. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on April 28, 2025.