Supreme Court Orders CBI Investigation into Allegations of Sexual Assault in Bengaluru Family Dispute
Court Directs CBI Investigation
The Supreme Court of India has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate a case in Bengaluru where a woman has accused her ex-husband of sexually assaulting their minor daughter. This directive came from a bench consisting of Justice J B Paradiwala and Justice K V Viswanathan during a hearing on April 9, 2026.
The justices ordered the CBI to take over the investigation from the local law enforcement agency, emphasizing the need for a thorough and lawful inquiry into the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the mother. The court expressed a clear intent to ensure the case is handled properly.
In response to the complexities of the case, the Supreme Court mandated the formation of a committee to oversee the investigation. This committee will be led by a senior officer, specifically a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) appointed by the CBI director. The panel will also include a respected female psychologist and a woman doctor, aiming to guarantee a sensitive approach to the investigation.
Background of the Allegations
The case originated in March 2024 when the mother of the then-11-year-old girl lodged a complaint that prompted the police to conduct a medical examination on the child. The examination reportedly suggested the possibility of sexual assault.
On March 28, 2024, officials at the Jayaprakash Nagar police station filed a criminal case against the former husband under multiple legal statutes. These included Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which pertains to punishments for child cruelty, and Section 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, addressing aggravated sexual assault. Additional charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were also included in the case.
The Supreme Court’s directive not only calls for an investigation by the CBI but also encourages both parties involved to fully cooperate. The court has clarified that no coercive measures should be taken against either party during the investigation.
Custody Dispute Between Parents
This legal dispute is deeply rooted in a custody battle that commenced in 2018 when the child’s father petitioned a family court in Bengaluru seeking custody under Section 25 of the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Following an examination of the arguments presented, the family court, on March 3, 2022, instructed the mother to transfer custody of the child to the father.
The father alleged that the mother engaged in an inappropriate relationship at work starting in 2016, shortly after their child was born. He claimed that the mother would often be unavailable on weekends, leaving him and his family, along with a maid, responsible for the child’s care in an undesirable environment.
In response, the mother appealed the family court’s decision to the Karnataka High Court, which upheld the earlier ruling and granted visitation rights to her on January 31, 2023. The mother subsequently filed a contempt petition, asserting that the father was not complying with the visitation order. The High Court later modified the visitation terms on December 14, 2023.
The father then escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, which took more than two years to review the petition. The Supreme Court remarked on the unfortunate nature of the ongoing litigation, noting the negative impact on the couple’s daughter, who is now 11 years old. The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 17, 2026.
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Contents
Court Directs CBI InvestigationThe Supreme Court of India has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate a case in Bengaluru where a woman has accused her ex-husband of sexually assaulting their minor daughter. This directive came from a bench consisting of Justice J B Paradiwala and Justice K V Viswanathan during a hearing on April 9, 2026.The justices ordered the CBI to take over the investigation from the local law enforcement agency, emphasizing the need for a thorough and lawful inquiry into the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the mother. The court expressed a clear intent to ensure the case is handled properly.In response to the complexities of the case, the Supreme Court mandated the formation of a committee to oversee the investigation. This committee will be led by a senior officer, specifically a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) appointed by the CBI director. The panel will also include a respected female psychologist and a woman doctor, aiming to guarantee a sensitive approach to the investigation.Background of the AllegationsThe case originated in March 2024 when the mother of the then-11-year-old girl lodged a complaint that prompted the police to conduct a medical examination on the child. The examination reportedly suggested the possibility of sexual assault.On March 28, 2024, officials at the Jayaprakash Nagar police station filed a criminal case against the former husband under multiple legal statutes. These included Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which pertains to punishments for child cruelty, and Section 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, addressing aggravated sexual assault. Additional charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were also included in the case.The Supreme Court’s directive not only calls for an investigation by the CBI but also encourages both parties involved to fully cooperate. The court has clarified that no coercive measures should be taken against either party during the investigation.Custody Dispute Between ParentsThis legal dispute is deeply rooted in a custody battle that commenced in 2018 when the child’s father petitioned a family court in Bengaluru seeking custody under Section 25 of the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Following an examination of the arguments presented, the family court, on March 3, 2022, instructed the mother to transfer custody of the child to the father.The father alleged that the mother engaged in an inappropriate relationship at work starting in 2016, shortly after their child was born. He claimed that the mother would often be unavailable on weekends, leaving him and his family, along with a maid, responsible for the child’s care in an undesirable environment.In response, the mother appealed the family court’s decision to the Karnataka High Court, which upheld the earlier ruling and granted visitation rights to her on January 31, 2023. The mother subsequently filed a contempt petition, asserting that the father was not complying with the visitation order. The High Court later modified the visitation terms on December 14, 2023.The father then escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, which took more than two years to review the petition. The Supreme Court remarked on the unfortunate nature of the ongoing litigation, noting the negative impact on the couple’s daughter, who is now 11 years old. The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 17, 2026.
