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Karnataka High Court asks courts to say 'parenting time' instead of 'visitation'
ஏன் செய்தியில்?
No parent is a 'visitor': the Karnataka High Court child-custody wording change GS2 Judiciary answers can cite
High Court changes the language of child-custody orders.
Why it matters: Karnataka-specific

What you need to know
2 நிமிடம்
The Karnataka High Court has ordered that the term 'parenting time' be used instead of 'visitation' in all child custody cases.
The court observed that calling it parenting time recognises that no parent is a visitor in the life of a child.
ஆதாரங்கள்: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
முக்கிய உண்மைகள்
Remember these
- Karnataka High Court directed that 'parenting time' replace 'visitation' in all child custody cases.
- Reasoning: the term recognises that no parent is a visitor in the life of a child.
- Applies to custody orders passed by courts, changing the language rather than the statute.
- Syllabus link: GS2 Polity (Judiciary) and social issues (family, children).
ப்ரிலிம்ஸ் · மெயின்ஸ்
How the exam will ask it
ப்ரிலிம்ஸ்
- The Karnataka High Court has directed courts to use 'parenting time' instead of 'visitation' in child custody matters.
- The direction concerns the terminology of custody orders and recognises both parents as having a continuing role in the child's life.
- A High Court is a constitutional court under Article 214, and its directions bind subordinate courts within its territorial jurisdiction.
மெயின்ஸ்
GS2 (Polity: Judiciary) and Social Issues. Issue: custody terminology such as 'visitation' casts one parent as a mere visitor. Provision/policy: courts apply the welfare-of-the-child principle under personal and guardianship laws, and judicial directions can reshape practice without legislation. Implication: language shapes expectations and can encourage shared parenting. Way forward: uniform guidelines across High Courts, training for judges and family counsellors, and statutory recognition of shared parenting.
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