The Supreme Court, on December 20, 2024, heard a petition filed by Anju Devi, mother of deceased Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash, seeking custody of her minor grandson. A Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh issued notices to the States of Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, directing them to “ascertain the whereabouts of the minor child.”

Anju Devi alleged that her estranged daughter-in-law, Nikita Singhania, has concealed the child’s location. Subhash, a software engineer, died by suicide in Bengaluru, leaving behind a note and video accusing Nikita and her family of harassment through false matrimonial cases, which he claimed drove him to take his life.

Following his death, an FIR was registered in Bengaluru against Nikita and her family under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The accused were arrested and are currently in judicial custody.

The matter will now be heard on January 7, 2025.

Case Details- Anju Devi v. State of Karnataka