In an attempt to represent and protect children involved in parents’ litigation, to protect kids’ interest in maintenance, custody/access and due to other issues related to the welfare of children, the Family Court has created a panel of Child’s Independent Lawyers (CIL). This is the first time in country where a panel of advocates and NGOs has been constituted for the same.

Every year around 2 lakh cases are filed in various family courts in India. In Mumbai alone around 10,000 cases come up before the court. In many cases, the maintenance and access are avoided and this affects the children. At times children are used as a tool to settle parents’ personal scores in matrimonial proceedings. It is observed that the children are silent sufferers and most unheard and unrepresented parties in matrimonial cases. The CIL will represent the child to establish her/his rights and to look after her/his affairs during parents’ litigation.