06/03/2026
Summary – Guardians and Wards (Amendment) Bill 2023
1. Purpose of the Bill
The bill proposes amendments to the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 to address modern child custody issues and improve the rights of non-custodial parents, especially fathers. �
G&W Amnedmnet Bill 2023-SZ.pdf None
Key Proposed Amendments
1. Amendment in Section 12 (Interim Custody / Visitation)
Courts must pass an interim order on the first hearing.
The order will allow:
Meeting between father and child
Home access / home visitation for the non-custodial father
This applies to children of all ages, even during the weaning age. �
G&W Amnedmnet Bill 2023-SZ.pdf None
Purpose:
To ensure fathers who do not have custody still maintain meaningful contact with their children.
2. Amendment in Section 45 (Penalty Increase)
The bill increases outdated fines in the Act:
Previous Fine
New Proposed Fine
Rs. 100
Rs. 10,000
Rs. 10
Rs. 5,000
This updates the very old penalties from 1890 to more realistic amounts. �
G&W Amnedmnet Bill 2023-SZ.pdf None
Reasons for the Amendment
The bill states that:
The Guardians and Wards Act 1890 is outdated.
Custody disputes often limit the child's relationship with one parent.
Court visitation rooms are often inadequate and uncomfortable for children.
Children sometimes become emotionally distressed due to parental conflict.
Therefore, home visitation rights and improved procedures are needed. �
G&W Amnedmnet Bill 2023-SZ.pdf None
✅ Core Objective:
To modernize custody procedures and ensure better access and emotional bonding between children and non-custodial parents, especially fathers.
