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Laws on Custody of Child in India, In the matrimonial proceedings the question of custody, education and maintenance of children also crop up. The courts are asked upon to decide in respect of custody of children during the pendency of trial. The question of custody of children is an important matter which affects the children and parents emotionally, economically and socially. The matrimonial courts have been empowered under the matrimonial enactments to decide such questions and pass orders relating to custody, education and maintenance of the children from time to time. Such orders can be modified, revoked or changed. The courts exercised jurisdiction over children only if it has jurisdiction in the main petition. If the matrimonial proceedings are dismissed by the court, proceedings relating to children terminate automatically. A provision or order may be made by the court for the custody, maintenance and education; of minor children before passing of a decree or in the decree itself or even if a decree has been passed. Passing of a decree in the main proceeding does not put an end to the courts jurisdiction as it retains the power to pass orders in respect of custody, maintenance and education of the children even after passing such decree. The guiding principle for passing such orders is but approval things “just and proper” the interpretation which has been given to these words “welfare of the minor”. Though the principle of welfare of the minor is the paramount consideration but the court can also take consideration, the wishes of the children also. To ascertain the benefit of the the court has to consider all other factors such as age, sex or wishes of the child. Thus, the power conferred upon the matrimonial courts is of considerable importance which has to be exercised cautiously.

Section 26 of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 deals with Custody of Children
In any proceeding under this Act, the court may, from time-to-time, pass such interim orders and make such provisions in the decree as it may deem just and proper with respect to the custody, maintenance and education of minor children, consistently with their wishes, wherever possible and may, after the decree, upon application by petition for the purposes make from time-to-time, all such orders and provisions with respect to the custody, maintenance and education of such children as might have been made by such decree or interim orders in case the proceeding for obtaining such decree were still pending and the court may also from time-to-time revoke, suspend or vary any such orders and provisions previously made:

Provided that the application with respect to the maintenance and education of the minor children, pending the proceeding for obtaining such decree, shall as far as possible, be disposed of within sixty days from the date of service of notice on the respondent.

Section 38 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 deals with Custody of Children (Court marriage or couple from different faith)
In any proceeding under Chapter V or Chapter VI the District Court may, from time-to-time, pass such interim orders and make such provisions in the decree as it may seem to it to be just and proper with respect to the custody, maintenance and education of minor children, consistently with their wishes wherever possible, and may, after the decree, upon application by petition for the purpose, make, revoke, suspend or vary, from time-to-time, all such orders and provisions with respect to the custody, maintenance education of such children as might have been made by such decree or interim orders in case the proceedings for obtaining such decree were still pending.

Provided that the application with respect to the maintenance and education of the minor children, during the proceeding, under Chapter V or Chapter VI, shall as far as possible, be disposed of within sixty days from the date of service of the notice on the respondent.