Holding

The Court held that the custody order was obtained by fraud, the father's undertakings were breached, and therefore the earlier orders are recalled, rendering the father's custody illegal and subject to contempt and criminal proceedings.

Summary

The Supreme Court examined a dispute over the custody of a minor child, Aditya, between his mother Smriti and father Perry, who had obtained custody in India based on a judgment dated 28 Oct 2020 and a subsequent order on 8 Dec 2020. The Court found that Perry had concealed material facts, failed to disclose the dismissal of his Kenyan mirror order application, and violated solemn undertakings, thereby obtaining custody through fraud. Relying on the Guardianship and Wards Act and principles of parens patriae, the Court held that a judgment procured by fraud is a nullity. Consequently, the earlier custody orders were recalled, the guardianship petition dismissed, Perry's custody declared illegal, and contempt and criminal proceedings were ordered. The Court also directed the CBI to investigate and the Ministry of External Affairs to assist in securing the child's return to the mother.

Issues considered

Whether the custody order granted to the father was obtained by fraud and thus vitiated.
Whether the father's non-disclosure of the Kenyan court's dismissal of the mirror order and violation of undertakings constitute contempt of court.
Whether the Indian courts have jurisdiction to recall their own orders and enforce custody despite the child being in Kenya.
Whether the registration of the Indian judgment in Kenya constituted a valid "mirror order" under Kenyan law.
Whether the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act, 43 of Kenya, applies to child custody matters.

Legislation cited

Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act, Cap 43 of the Laws of Kenyas. 10, s. 2(1), s. 3(3)(e), s. 6(1)
Guardianship and Wards Act, 1890s. 10, s. 11, s. 7, s. 8
Indian Evidence Act, 1872s. 44
Indian Penal Code, 1860s. 120B, s. 191, s. 193, s. 209, s. 34, s. 361, s. 363, s. 365, s. 368, s. 420

Subjects

GuardianshipChild custodyFraud on the courtContempt of courtMirror orderParens patriaeForeign judgment enforcementInternational family law

Judgment

742 [2021]REPORTS
SUPREME COURT 10 S.C.R. 742 [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA
v.
PERRY KANSAGRA
(Miscellaneous Application No.1167 of 2021)
B In
(Civil Appeal No.3559 of 2020)
OCTOBER 07, 2021
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, HEMANT GUPTA AND
C AJAY RASTOGI, JJ.]
Guardian and Wards Act, 1890 – Custody of minor child –
Obtained by fraud – Contempt of Court – Guardianship petition
filed by father (of Indian origin) settled in Kenya for custody of the
minor child before Family Court, New Delhi – Allowed – Affirmed
D by High Court – Undertaking given by him to submit to the
jurisdiction of Indian Courts – High Court’s order challenged by
mother – Appeal dismissed by majority judgment of Supreme Court
dtd. 28.10.20 – Custody of the child handed over to the father subject
to his obtaining mirror order from the concerned court in Nairobi
reflecting the directions contained in the said judgment –
E Undertaking filed to abide by the directions contained in the majority
decision – Originating Summons filed by him in the High Court of
Kenya at Nairobi seeking registration of the judgment dtd.28.10.20
and for obtaining mirror order – Registration granted vide order
dtd.09.11.20 – Mother filed M.A seeking modification of certain
F directions issued in paragraph 20 of the majority judgment –
Application disposed of vide order dtd. 08.12.20 – Undertaking
given by the father in Supreme Court to abide by the said order –
Child taken to Kenya – Vacation access denied to the mother –
Father also filed petition in Kenya inter alia challenging the
jurisdiction of the Indian Courts – Held: At no stage the father
G brought the development to the notice of Supreme Court that the
Summons moved by him seeking registration of the judgment
dtd.28.10.20 was subsequently dismissed by the High Court of
Kenya at Nairobi – It was only on the basis of the solemn
undertakings given by him and the order dtd.09.11.20 passed by
H the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi which was projected to be a
742
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 743

mirror order in compliance of the directions issued by this Court, A
that the custody of the child was directed to be handed over to him
– Further, order dtd.08.12.20, made it clear that the undertaking
given to the High Court would continue to be operative, in addition
to the undertakings given to this Court – However, such undertakings
were not only flagrantly violated but a stand is now taken challenging
B
the very jurisdiction of the Indian Courts – Orders obtained by
playing fraud upon the Court – A party approaching the Court
must come with clean hands, more so in child custody matters –
Non-disclosure of material facts by the father at relevant junctures
shows that he approached the Indian Courts with unclean hands –
Judgment dtd.28.10.20 and the order dtd.08.12.20 recalled – C
Guardianship Petition filed by the father is dismissed – Custody of
the child with him is illegal and void ab initio – Notice for contempt
issued – Further directions issued.
Guardian and Wards Act, 1890 – Parens patriae jurisdiction –
Held: Wherever the custody of a minor is a matter of dispute, the D
primary custody of the minor in parens patriae jurisdiction is with
the Court which may then hand over the custody to the person who
would be the most suitable – Any action initiated to obtain such
custody from the Court with fraudulent conduct and design would
be a fraud on the process of the Court.
E
Disposing of the miscellaneous application and connected
interim applications, the Court
HELD: 1.1 The documents and the developments show:
(i) ‘P’ (the father) had given an unequivocal undertaking to
the High Court that he would submit to the jurisdiction of the F
Indian Courts. He had also given a solemn undertaking to this
Court.
(ii) In response to a specific submission raised in
Miscellaneous Application No.2140 of 2020 (quoted in paragraph
16), it was submitted by ‘P’ that he had subjected himself to the G
jurisdiction of this Court. While dealing with the rival submissions
in the Order dated 8.12.2020, this Court made it clear that the
undertaking given by ‘P’ to the High Court would continue to be
operative, in addition to the undertaking given to this Court.
H
744 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A (iii) The Judgment dated 28.10.2020 had called upon ‘P’ to
obtain a ‘Mirror Order’ from the concerned Court in Nairobi to
reflect the directions contained in the Judgment dated
28.10.2020. Thereafter, the Order dated 9.11.2020 passed by the
High Court of Kenya at Nairobi along with the relevant application
moved by ‘P’ seeking registration of the Judgment dated
B
28.10.2020, was filed in this Court.
(iv) There was a dispute whether the registration granted
vide order dated 9.11.2020 by the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi
amounted to fulfilling the requirement of a “Mirror Order”. In
paragraph 10 of the Order dated 8.12.2020, this Court observed
C that the registration of the Judgment of this Court by the High
Court of Kenya at Nairobi was sufficient compliance of the
directions to obtain a “Mirror Order” issued from a Competent
Court in Kenya.
(v) The Judgment dated 28.10.2020 and the Order dated
D 8.12.2020 passed by this Court were thus premised on the
submission that the Order dated 9.11.2020 passed by the High
Court of Kenya at Nairobiwhile registering the Judgment dated
28.10.2020 passed by this Court was in fact the “Mirror Order”.
(vi) It now transpires that by a subsequent Order dated
E 21.5.2021, the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi in Paragraph 13 of
its order observed that the judgment of this Court was not
registrable and dismissed the Originating Summons dated
30.10.2020 filed by ‘P’.
(vii) At no stage ‘P’ brought this development to the notice
F of this Court that the Originating Summons moved by him seeking
registration of the Judgment dated 28.10.2020 passed by this
Court was dismissed by the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi on
21.5.2021. Having submitted to the jurisdiction of the Indian
Courts it was the bounden duty of ‘P’ to keep this Court appraised
G of all the developments particularly when the “Mirror Order”
was the fulcrum on the basis of which this Court handed over to
him the custody of ‘A’ (the child).
(viii) This infraction gets more pronounced in the light of
the stand taken in his Affidavit dated 5.8.2021 filed in this Court
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 745

and referred to in Paragraph 22. In that affidavit ‘P’ unequivocally A
stated that he had not even the remotest intention to disobey the
Order passed by this Court including the Judgment dated
28.10.2020. Yet, something as basic and fundamental like the
Order dated 21.05.2021 was not brought to the notice of this
Court.
B
(ix) Miscellaneous Application No.1167 of 2021 filed by ‘S’
(the mother) had annexed e-mails exchanged between her and
‘P’ and prayed that ‘P’ be directed to comply with directions
regarding vacation access. In response, apart from stating that
he had no intentions to disobey the orders passed by this Court,
‘P’ voiced concern about sending ‘A’ to India. Being well aware C
of the conditions in this Country, a solution was devised by this
Court in its Order dated 11.08.2021 and certain directions to
facilitate the entry of ‘A’ into and his exit from India in a safe
manner were issued. Pertinently on 11.08.2021, the attention of
this Court was not invited to the fact that the Situational Report D
dated 09.08.2021 to was made or that the matter was being looked
into by the concerned authorities in Kenya.
(x) Despite clear directions issued in the Order dated
11.08.2021 ‘P’ had not taken any steps to comply with the Order.
As a matter of fact, by the time the matter was taken up for further E
hearing on 16.08.2021, ‘P’ sought to withdraw the authorization
in favour of the counsel who were all the while representing him
before this Court. As disclosed in I.A. 100550 of 2021, week-
end Skype meetings between ‘S’ and ‘A’ were not facilitated from
the week-end of 14.08.2021 and 15.08.2021. ‘P’ also blocked all
means of communications with ‘S’. Though in law the advocates F
who had entered appearance on behalf of ‘P’ would continue to
represent him, notice was additionally directed to be served on
‘P’ through Indian embassy of Nairobi.
(xi) In the light of the defiant attitude exhibited by ‘P’ and
his refusal to abide by the Orders passed by this court, ad-interim G
relief in terms of prayers (d) (e) and (f) made by ‘S’ in her I.A.
No.100550 of 2021 was granted by this Court vide its order dated
17.08.2021.

H
746 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A (xii) Finally, Petition No.E301 of 2021 and – Notice of
Motion were moved on behalf of ‘P’, filed in the High Court of
Kenya at Nairobi on 26.08.2021. The stand taken by ‘P’ in said
Petition and Notice of Motion is that it would be humiliating to
compel ‘A’ to take OCI Card; that wishes of ‘A’ were not
ascertained by this Court; that there was no valid Mirror Order
B
and that the orders passed by this Court were without jurisdiction.
He has prayed for declaration that there existed no valid “Mirror
Order” and in the circumstances the orders passed by this Court
are incapable of compliance and/or enforcement. [Para 34]
[802-A-H; 803-A-H; 804-A-E]
C 1.2 These developments not only show the defiant and
contumacious posture now adopted by ‘P’ but prima facie support
the submissions of ‘S’ made in Interim Applications referred to
in paragraphs 25, 27, and 28. There appears to be concrete
material and reason to believe that it was a well-planned
D conspiracy on part of ‘P’ to persuade this Court to pass orders in
his favour and allow him the custody of ‘A’ and then turn around
and defy the Orders of this Court. It is fundamental that a party
approaching the Court must come with clean hands, more so in
child custody matters. Any fraudulent conduct based on which
the custody of a minor is obtained under the orders of the Court,
E would negate and nullify the element of trust reposed by the Court
in the concerned person. Wherever the custody of a minor is a
matter of dispute between the parents or the concerned parties,
the primary custody of the minor, in parens patriae jurisdiction,
is with the Court which may then hand over the custody to the
F person who in the eyes of the Court, would be the most suitable
person. Any action initiated to obtain such custody from the Court
with fraudulent conduct and design would be a fraud on the process
of the Court. [Paras 35, 36][804-F-H; 805-A-B]
1.3 Though, at every juncture solemn undertakings were
G given by ‘P’ to the High Court and this Court, such undertakings
were not only flagrantly violated but a stand is now taken
challenging the very jurisdiction of the Indian Courts, despite
having submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the Indian Courts.
Such conduct, prime facie, can certainly be said to be
contumacious calling for an action in contempt jurisdiction.
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 747

Moreover, the non-disclosure of material facts by ‘P’ at the A
relevant junctures also shows that he approached the Indian
Courts with unclean hands. It was only on the basis of the solemn
undertakings given by ‘P’ and the order dated 09.11.2020 passed
by the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi which was projected to be
a “Mirror Order” in compliance of the directions issued by this
B
Court, that the custody of ‘A’ was directed to be handed over to
‘P’. Since the false and fraudulent representations made by ‘P’
were the foundation, on the basis of which this Court was
persuaded to handover custody of ‘A’ to him, it shall be the duty
of this Court to nullify, in every way, the effect and impact of the
orders which were obtained by playing fraud upon the Court. This C
Court would therefore be well within its power and justified to
recall all the orders and continue to assume jurisdiction to ensure
that the situation as it prevailed prior to the passing of the orders
by the Trial Court, the High Court and this Court, gets restored,
whereafter appropriate decision can be taken in parens patriae
D
jurisdiction. [Paras 39, 40][822-C-F]
1.4 It is true that ‘A’ is now in Kenya. But he was taken to
Kenya only on the basis of fraudulently obtained orders from this
Court. The Indian Courts which were the Courts of first contact
and had complete jurisdiction over ‘A’, must continue to exercise
such power and jurisdiction to correct the wrongs which occurred E
as a result of fraudulent conduct on part of ‘P’. It may be stated
here that at every juncture, welfare of ‘A’ was and will always
continue to be the primary consideration for the Indian Courts.
He was interviewed by very competent and qualified Counsellors
whose reports and assessments have been part of the record. F
‘A’ was also interviewed by the Trial Court, the High Court and
this Court. At no stage any mistreatment by ‘S’ was even remotely
suggested or adverted to by ‘A’. [Para 41][822-G-H; 823-A-B]
1.5 Following directions inter alia passed: -
(A) The Judgment dated 28.10.2020 and the Order dated G
08.12.2020 passed by this Court are recalled.
(B) The Guardianship Petition No.53 of 2012 filed by ‘P’ in
the District Court, Saket, New Delhi seeking permanent custody

H
748 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A of ‘A’ and the resultant proceedings arising therefrom including
MAT APP (F.C.) No.30 of 2018 filed in the High Court, are
dismissed.
(C) The Orders granting custody having been recalled, the
custody of ‘A’ with ‘P’ is illegal and ab initio void.
B (D) Issue Notice to ‘P’ as to why proceedings in contempt
jurisdiction be not initiated against him for having violated the
solemn undertakings given to this Court, returnable on 16th
November, 2021. The Registry is directed to register Suo Motu
Contempt Case and proceed accordingly.
C (E) The Central Bureau of Investigation, New Delhi through
its Director to initiate appropriate proceedings by registering
criminal proceedings against ‘P’ and to secure and entrust the
custody of ‘A’ to ‘S’.
(F) The Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government
D of India, New Delhi and the Indian Embassy in Kenya to ensure
that all possible assistance and logistical support is extended to
‘S’ in securing the custody of ‘A’. [Para 42][823-C-H]
S.P. Chengalvaraya Naidu v. Jagannath (1994) 1 SCC
1: [1993] 3 Suppl. SCR 422; Indian Bank v. Satyam
E Fibres (India) (P) Ltd. (1996) 5 SCC 550 : [1996] 4
Suppl. SCR 464; United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v.
Rajendra Singh (2000) 3 SCC 581 : [2000] 2 SCR 264;
Ram Chandra Singh v. Savitri Devi (2003) 8 SCC 319 :
[2003] 4 Suppl. SCR 543; Hamza Haji v. State of Kerala
F (2006) 7 SCC 416 : [2006] 4 Suppl. SCR 604; K.D.
Sharma v. SAIL (2008) 12 SCC 481 : [2008] 10 SCR
454; Meghmala v. G. Narasimha Reddy (2010) 8 SCC
383: [2010] 10 SCR 47; Badami v. Bhali (2012) 11
SCC 574 : [2012] 6 SCR 75 – relied on.
Case Law Reference
G
[1993] 3 Suppl. SCR 422 relied on Para 37(a)
[1996] 4 Suppl. SCR 464 relied on Para 37(b)
[2000] 2 SCR 264 relied on Para 37(c)

H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 749

[2003] 4 Suppl. SCR 543 relied on Para 37(d) A
[2006] 4 Suppl. SCR 604 relied on Para 37(e)
[2008] 10 SCR 454 relied on Para 37(f)
[2010] 10 SCR 47 relied on Para 37(g)
[2012] 6 SCR 75 relied on Para 37(h) B
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Miscellaneous Application
No.1167 of 2021.
In
Civil Appeal No. 3559 of 2020. C
From the Judgment and Order dated 25.02.2020 of the High Court
of Delhi at New Delhi in MAT APP. (FC) No.30 of 2018.
Tushar Mehta, SG, Amarjit Singh Chandhiok, Ms. Sonia Mathur,
Sr. Advs., B. V. Balaram Das, Prosenjeet Banerjee, Ms. Nidhi Mohan
Parashar, Ms. Mansi Sharma, Ms. Shreya Singhal, Keshav Sehgal, D
Vikrant Kumar, Ms. Vidhi Jain, Anindit Mandal, Anunaya Mehta, Ms.
Inderjeet Saroop, P. K. Manohar, Advs. for the appearing parties.
The Order of the Court was passed by
UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.
E
1. Civil Appeal No.3559 of 2020 arose from Guardianship Petition
filed by Perry Kansagra (hereinafter referred to as ‘Perry’), father of
minor named Aditya Vikram Kansagra (hereinafter referred to as
‘Aditya’), under Sections 7, 8, 10, 11 of the Act1 before the District
Court, Saket, New Delhi. Perry is a person of Indian origin and Gujarati
by descent. His grandfather migrated to Kenya in 1935 and settled there. F
The family has business interests in Kenya and United Kingdom. Perry
holds dual citizenship of Kenya as well as United Kingdom. Perry got
married to Smriti Madan Kansagra (hereinafter referred to as ‘Smriti’),
an Indian citizen, on 29.07.2007 at New Delhi. Initially, the couple stayed
at Nairobi, Kenya but Smriti returned to India in 2009. The couple was
G
blessed with a son – Aditya on 02.12.2009 at New Delhi. Except for a
brief period when the couple had gone to Kenya in 2012, Aditya always
stayed with Smriti in Delhi till the disposal of aforestated Civil Appeal
No.3559 of 2020.
1
The Guardianship and Wards Act, 1890 H
750 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A 2. On 26.5.2012, Civil Suit (O.S.) No.1604 of 2012 was filed by
Smriti against Perry and his parents in the High Court2 seeking following
reliefs:
“(a) Pass a decree of permanent injunction restraining the
defendants, their agents, representatives, servants and/ or
B attorneys in perpetuity form in any manner removing the child
either from the lawful custody of the Plaintiff No.2 or removing
the child from Delhi; the jurisdiction of this Hon’ble Court or
accessing the child in his School “Toddlers Train” at Sunder Nagar,
New Delhi.
(b) Pass an order directing the Airport Authority of India,
C
Immigration Authority of India, ‘FRRO’ to ensure compliance of
prayer ‘a’ above.
(c) Pass a decree of permanent injunction restraining the
Defendants, their agents, representatives, servants and/ or
attorneys in perpetuity from meeting Plaintiff No.1 without the
D consent/ presence of Plaintiff No.2"
3. On 25.05.2012, an ex-parte ad-interim order was passed by
the High Court restraining Perry from removing Aditya from the custody
of his mother. In this suit, I.A. No.12429 of 2012 was filed by Perry
seeking access to Aditya. Though Smriti was not averse to Perry’s
E meeting Aditya, it was submitted that the meetings be held only under
her supervision. By its order dated 13.07.2012, the High Court permitted
Perry to meet Aditya under the supervision of Smriti. Similar orders
were passed from time to time.
4. On 06.11.2012, Perry filed Guardianship Petition No.53 of 2012
F before the District Courts, Saket, New Delhi praying inter alia:
“a. Declare the petitioner who is natural father of the minor child
master Aditya Vikram Kansagra as the legal guardian under
Section 7 of the Guardianship and Wards Act, 1890;
b. Grant the permanent custody of the minor child master Aditya
Vikram Kansagra to the Petitioner;
G
c. Pending the hearing and final disposal of the Suit, the Petitioner
may be allowed to take minor child master Aditya Vikram to visit
his parental home in Kenya MS, 166, 167, James Gichuru Road,
Lavington Green, Nairobi, Kenya;
2
H The High Court of Delhi at New Delhi
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 751
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

d. Pending the hearing the final disposal of the Suit, the Petitioner A
may be allowed to take minor child master Aditya Vikram for all
holidays summers/ Diwali/ Christmas and any other holiday in
India and abroad.”
5. During the pendency of these proceedings, Aditya was admitted
to Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, New Delhi. On 31.08.2015, both B
the parties submitted before the High Court that they would pursue their
remedies in the pending guardianship proceedings before the Family Court
and that the suit be disposed of. The suit was accordingly disposed of on
31.08.2015.
6. By various orders the visitation schedule was modified by the
Family Court from time-to-time permitting Perry to have access to and C
enjoy visitation with Aditya. The interim proceedings taken up in the
Guardianship Proceedings were adverted to in detail in the majority
decision of this Court dated 28.10.2020 while disposing of Civil Appeal
No.3559 of 2020.
7. By its judgment and order dated 12.01.2018, the Family Court D
allowed the Guardianship Petition and granted custody of Aditya to Perry
which was to come into effect after the end of academic session 2017-
2018.
8. Smriti being aggrieved, challenged the decision of the Family
Court by filing Mat. App. (F.C.) No. 30 of 2018 before the High Court,
E
which appeal was dismissed by the High Court by its judgment and
order dated 25.02.2020. The High Court affirmed the decision that the
custody of Aditya be granted to Perry. By a separate order passed on
the same date, it recorded that Perry was willing to file an undertaking
of his mother, holding an Indian passport to ensure compliance of the
Order of the Family Court granting visitation rights to Smriti. It also F
directed Perry to swear an undertaking before the Indian Embassy in
Kenya to the effect that he would submit to the jurisdiction of the Indian
Courts; which undertaking would then be filed in the proceedings, in
token of his acceptance of the Order.
The High Court also passed following additional directions:
G
“(i) Perry shall apply for a Kenyan passport for the child, if not
already done, and Smriti would co-operate in filing the application;
(ii) Smriti shall be entitled to talk to the child over audio calls/
video calls for at least 10 minutes everyday at a mutually agreed
time which is least disruptive to the schooling and other activities
of the child; H
752 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A (iii) Smriti shall be entitled to freely exchange e-mails, letters and
other correspondences with the child without any hindrance by
Perry or his family;
(iv) In addition to the grant of temporary custody of the child to
Smriti during summer and winter vacations on the dates to be
B mutually agreed upon. Smriti may visit the child at Nairobi, Kenya.
However, she shall not be entitled to take the child out of Nairobi,
Kenya. Perry shall bear the cost of her return air-ticket for travel
from India once a year and accommodation for seven days;
(v) Smriti shall also file an undertaking before the Court once the
C order has attained finality that the directions of the Family Court
and the directions given by this Court shall be complied with. The
undertaking shall state that the period of visitation as stipulated
would be strictly adhered to, and she would return the child to the
respondent at the stipulated time. Further she would not abuse
her visitation and contact rights to brainwash the child with negative
D comments about the respondent, his family or Kenya.”
9. In view of the directions of the High Court, following undertaking
was sworn by Perry in Kenya and filed in the High Court:-
“I Mr. Perry Kansagra S/o Shri Mansukh Lal Patel, aged about
E 45 years, r/o MS 167 James Gichuru Road, Lavington Green,
Nairobi, Kenya do hereby solemnly affirm and undertake as under:-
1. That I am executing the present undertaking in compliance of
Order dated 25.02.2020 passed by Hon’ble High Court of Delhi
in Mat. App. (F.C.) No.30 of 2018.
F 2. That I undertake to honour and comply with the visitations
rights that have been granted to Mrs. Smriti Madan Kansagra
vide Judgment dated 12.01.2018 passed by Family Court South
East, Saket, Delhi in G-53/2012 and the same has been upheld
vide Judgment dated 25.02.2020 passed by the Hon’ble High Court
of Delhi in MAT APP (F.C.) No.30 of 2018.
G
3. That I further undertake to submit to the jurisdiction of the
Indian Courts.
Sd/-
DEPONENT”
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 753
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

10. The aforestated decision of the High Court was challenged A
by Smriti by filing Civil Appeal No.3559 of 2020 in this Court, which
appeal was dismissed on 28.10.2020. While affirming the findings,
following observations were made in the majority decision of this Court:–
“(a) To safeguard the rights and interest of Smriti, we have
considered it necessary to direct Perry to obtain a mirror order B
from the concerned court in Nairobi, which would reflect the
directions contained in this Judgement.
(b) Given the large number of cases arising from transnational
parental abduction in inter-country marriages, the English courts
have issued protective measures which take the form of
undertakings, mirror orders, and safe harbour orders, since there C
is no accepted international mechanism to achieve protective
measures. Such orders are passed to safeguard the interest of
the child who is in transit from one jurisdiction to another. The
courts have found mirror orders to be the most effective way of
achieving protective measures. D
(c) The primary jurisdiction is exercised by the court where the
child has been ordinarily residing for a substantial period of time,
and has conducted an elaborate enquiry on the issue of custody.
The court may direct the parties to obtain a “mirror order” from
the court where the custody of the child is being shifted. Such an E
order is ancillary or auxiliary in character, and supportive of the
order passed by the court which has exercised primary jurisdiction
over the custody of the child. In International Family Law, it is
necessary that jurisdiction is exercised by only one court at a
time. It would avoid a situation where conflicting orders may be
passed by courts in two different jurisdictions on the same issue F
of custody of the minor child. These orders are passed keeping in
mind the principle of comity of courts and public policy. The object
of a mirror order is to safeguard the interest of the minor child in
transit from one jurisdiction to another, and to ensure that both
parents are equally bound in each State.
G
The mirror order is passed to ensure that the courts of the country
where the child is being shifted are aware of the arrangements
which were made in the country where he had ordinarily been
residing. Such an order would also safeguard the interest of the
parent who is losing custody, so that the rights of visitation and
temporary custody are not impaired.” H
754 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A Hemant Gupta, J., authored a dissenting view with following
observations:-
“102. The issue is to find out the welfare of the Child in parens
patriae jurisdiction of this Court. The question required to be
examined is whether this Court should permit the child to be out
B of its supervisory jurisdiction so as to be a mute spectator to the
possibility of defiance of the order of this Court. I am of the opinion
that welfare of the Child would be to stay in India with his mother
who has brought up the child for last 11 years. The Child is
intelligent but not mature enough to take decisions by himself.
Even, the law recognizes that the child of less than 18 years is
C incapable of representing himself. Therefore, any opinion of the
child is not determinative of the final custody of the child but this
Court as parens patriae is duty bound to assess the entire situation
to return a finding whether the welfare of the child will be with
the mother with visitation rights to the father or custody with the
D father with visitation rights to the mother. If the child is moved to
Kenya, there is no way that this Court can enforce the orders to
get the child back to India, even if it so desires.”
11. In the light of its discussion, the directions issued in paragraphs
20 to 22 in the majority decision of this Court were:-
E “(a) We direct Perry Kansagra to obtain mirror order from the
concerned court in Nairobi to reflect the directions contained in
this judgement, within a period of 2 weeks from the date of this
judgment. A copy of the Order passed by the court in Nairobi
must be filed before this Court;

F (b) After the mirror order is filed before this Court, Perry shall
deposit a sum of INR 1 Crore in the Registry of this Court, which
shall be kept in an interest-bearing fixed deposit account (on auto-
renewal basis), for a period of two years to ensure compliance
with the directions contained in this judgment.
If this Court is satisfied that Perry has discharged all his obligations
G in terms of the aforesaid directions of this Court, the aforesaid
amount shall be returned with interest accrued, thereon to the
respondent;
(c) Perry will apply and obtain a fresh Kenyan passport for Aditya,
Smriti will provide full co-operation, and not cause any obstruction
H in this behalf;
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 755
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

(d) Within a week of the mirror order being filed before this Court, A
Smriti shall provide the Birth Certificate and the Transfer
Certificate from Delhi Public School, to enable Perry to secure
admission of Aditya to a School in Kenya;
(e) Smriti will be at liberty to engage with Aditya on a suitable
video-conferencing platform for one hour over the weekends; B
further, Aditya is a liberty to speak to his mother as and when he
desires to do so;
(f) Smriti would be provided with access and visitation rights for
50% once in a year during the annual vacations of Aditya, either
in New Delhi or Kenya, wherever she likes, after due intimation C
to Perry;
(g) Perry will bear the cost of one trip in a year for a period of one
week to Smriti and her mother to visit Aditya in Kenya during his
vacations. The costs will cover the air fare and expenses for stay
in Kenya; D
(h) Smriti will not be entitled to take Aditya out of Nairobi, Kenya
without the consent of Perry;
(i) We direct Perry and Smriti to file Undertakings before this
Court, stating that they would abide and comply with the directions
passed by this Court without demur, within a period of one week E
from the date of this judgement.
21. As an interim measure, we direct that till such time that Perry
is granted full custody of the child, he will be entitled to
unsupervised visitation with overnight access during weekends
when he visits India, so that the studies of Aditya are not disturbed. F
Perry and his parents would be required to deposit their passports
before the Registrar of this Court during such period of visitation.
After the visitation is over, the passports shall be returned to them
forthwith.
22. This appeal shall be listed before the Court after a period of G
four weeks to ensure compliance with the aforesaid directions,
and on being satisfied that all the afore-stated directions are duly
complied with, the custody of Aditya Vikram Kansagra shall be
handed over by his mother Smriti Kansagra to the father Perry
Kansagra.”
H
756 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A 12. Direction (C) issued in paragraph 20 of the majority decision
was thereafter modified by order dated 03.11.2020 passed in M.A.
No.2066 of 2020 moved by Perry. By said order, Perry was permitted to
take Aditya to Kenya on the strength of a one-time travel document
issued by the High Commission of Kenya in New Delhi and to apply for
and obtain a Kenyan Passport after arrival of Aditya in Kenya.
B
13. On 30.10.2020, Perry filed an undertaking in this Court
submitting that he would abide by and comply with all the directions
contained in the majority decision dated 28.10.2020, without any demur,
and in letter and spirit. The undertaking which was sworn in Kenya
was: -
C
“I am Perry Kansagra s/o Shri Mansukh Lal Patel, aged about 45
years, r/o MS 167 James Gichuru Road, Lavington Green, Nairobi,
do hereby solemnly affirm and stated on oath as under: -
1. That I am the respondent in the captioned matter and I
am conversant with the facts and circumstances of the
D
present case and competent to swear the present
affidavit.
2. I am executing the present undertaking in compliance
of Judgment dated 28.10.2020 passed in the aforesaid
matter.
E
3. I truly and faithfully undertake to abide and comply with
all the directions as mentioned in the Judgment dated
28.10.2020 passed by this Hon’ble Court without demur
and in its letter and spirit.”

F Similarly, Smriti also filed an undertaking on 05.11.2020 undertaking
to abide by and comply with the directions of this Court without any
demur.
14. On 30.10.2020, Perry moved an Originating Summons in the
High Court of Kenya at Nairobi seeking registration of the Judgment
dated 28.10.2020 passed by this Court and for obtaining ‘Mirror Order’.
G
The title of the application and the opening recitals were:-
“REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAIROBI
FAMILY DIVISION MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION
H NO. OF 2020
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 757
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

IN THE MATTER OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS A
(RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT)
ACT, CAP 43 OF THE LAWS OF KENYA
IN THE MATTER OF AN ORDER OF THE SUPREME
COURT OF INDIA
B
ISSUED ON 28th OCTOBER 2020
AN
IN THE MATTER OF AVK (A CHILD)
AND IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 4, 22, 113 OF THE
CHILDREN ACT AND C
ARTICLE 53 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA 2010
FOR AN APPLICATION FOR MIRROR ORDERS
BY
PERRY KANSAGRA—————EX PARTE APPLICANT D
Originating Summons
[Under Sections 3, 4, 5 & 6 of the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal
Enforcement) Sections 4, 22, 113 of the Children Act and Articles
53 of The Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Inherent Powers of
E
the Court and all Enabling Provisions of the Law].
LET ALL PARTIES CONCERNED attend the Honourable
Judge in Chambers for the hearing of this application which is
issued on the application of PERRY KANSAGRA of Post Office
Box Number 76817 – 00620, Nairobi for orders:
F
1. THAT this application be certified as urgent, deserving priority
hearing and directions ex parte in the first instance.
2. THAT the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court of India
in Supreme Court Civil Appeal No.3559 of 2020 – Smriti
Madan Kansagra v. Perry Kansagra be registered. G
3. THAT further, or other orders, be granted so as to give effect
to the orders of and in compliance with judgment of the Supreme
Court of India made on 28th October 2020.”
After referring to the directions issued by this Court, the application
stated :- H
758 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A “7. That the application is brought in the best interest of the child
and to facilitate his return to Kenya to be reunited with his father
and family.
8. That the orders sought are necessary to facilitate the taking of
such other steps and proceedings as ordered by the Supreme Court
B in India….”
15. The Order dated 09.11.2020 passed by the High Court of
Kenya at Nairobi on the aforestated application was:-
“REPUBLIC OF KENYA

C IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAIROBI
MILIMANI LAW COURTS
FAMILY DIVISION
HCFOS/EO31 OF 2020

D IN THE MATTER OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS
(RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT) ACT, CAP, 43
OF THE LAWS OF KENYA
IN THE MATTER OF AN ORDER OF THE SUPREME
COURT OF INDIA
E
ISSUED ON 28th OCTOBER 2020
AND
IN THE MATTER OF ADITYA VIKRAM KANSAGRA (A
CHILD)
F AND IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 4, 22, 113,
OF THE CHILDREN ACT, AND
ARTICLE 53 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA, 2010
FOR AN APPLICATION FOR MIRROR ORDERS
G BY
PERRY KANSAGRA ————————————Exparte
APPLICANT
IN COURT ON 9th DAY OF NOVEMBER 2020
H BEFORE HON. MR. JUSTICE A.O. MUCHELULE
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 759
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

ORDER A
THIS MATTER coming up for hearing UNDER
CERTIFICATE OF URGENCY before Hon. Justice A.O.
Muchelule; AND UPON READING the application;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED;
B
1. THAT application certified urgent.
2. THAT the order of the Supreme Court of India issued on
28.10.2020 is hereby registered as prayed.
GIVEN under my hand and the seal of this Court this 9th day
of November, 2020. C
ISSUED at Nairobi this 11th day of November 2020
I CERTIFY THIS IS TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL
DEPUTY REGISTRAR DATED 11/11/2020
HIGH COURT OF KENYA, NAIROBI ____” D
16. Smriti, however, filed Miscellaneous Application No.2140 of
2020 seeking modification of certain directions issued by this Court in
paragraph 20 of the majority decision, which application was disposed
of by this Court by its Order dated 08.12.2020. Some of the submissions
raised by Smriti may be set out here for facility:- E
“d. Perry’s undertaking dated 02.03.2020 [pg. 30 of Application]
that he shall continue to submit to the jurisdiction of the Indian
Courts, duly filed by Perry in the High Court and relied upon by
him in Supreme Court, kindly be accepted.
e. Perry’s mother’s undertaking dated 27.02.2020 [pg. 33 of F
Application] given before the High Court and duly relied upon in
Supreme Court, may kindly be accepted.”
16.1 The aforestated submissions were dealt with by this Court in
its Order dated 08.12.2020 as under: -
“(iii) With regard to the issue at placitum ‘d’, the learned counsel G
for the respondent has accepted that having given an undertaking
to this Court, the respondent has subjected himself to the jurisdiction
of this Court. Mr. Shyam Divan, learned Senior Advocate for the
appellant however relied upon paragraph 3 of the undertaking
dated 02.03.2020 given to the High Court to emphasize the absence H
760 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A of such clear stipulation in the present undertaking regarding
submission to the jurisdiction of the Indian Courts. Though, we
accept the submission made by the learned counsel for the
respondent, it is hereby clarified that paragraph 3 of the undertaking
given by respondent dated 02.03.2020 to the High Court shall
continue to be operative, in addition to the undertaking given to
B
this Court.
(iv) In the context of the matter mentioned against placitum ‘e’, it
must be stated that this Court did not deem it appropriate to bind
the paternal grandmother of Aditya, because of the various other
directions issued in the Judgment, including the one requiring the
C respondent to obtain a Mirror Order. The High Court had not
insisted upon furnishing of any Mirror Order and, therefore, the
direction to have the affidavit of the grandmother who is an Indian
citizen, was issued. However, the direction to obtain a Mirror Order
was taken to be sufficient security by this Court, to take care of
D any apprehension that the respondent may not fulfil the obligations
cast upon him by the Judgment.”
16.2. With regard to the issue regarding mirror order, the rival
submissions as well as the findings of this Court were as under:-
“8. We now turn to the issue regarding Mirror Order. It is submitted
E by Mr. Divan, learned Senior Advocate for the appellant that what
is contemplated by the directions issued in the Judgment is a binding
and valid Mirror Order. In his submission, the Mirror Order must,
in all respects, be one which is fully enforceable, and on which
complete reliance can be placed by this Court. He has invited our
attention to the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act,
F CAP, 43 enacted by the Parliament of Kenya (“the Act”, for short)
to make provisions for the enforcement of judgments given in
countries outside Kenya which accord reciprocal treatment to
judgments given in Kenya and for other purposes in connection
therewith.
G The submissions of Mr. Divan on this issue are:-
A) India and Kenya are not reciprocating countries and, as
such, the provisions of the Act will not be applicable.
B) In any case, by virtue of Section 3(3) of the Act, nothing in
the Act will apply to proceedings in connection with “the
H custody or guardianship of children”.
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 761
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

C) In terms of Section 6(1) of the Act, the registration of a A
judgment rendered by a foreign court can be granted, if
“the High Court is satisfied as to the proof of matters required
by this Act and any rules of court”.
D) Since the Act itself will not apply to proceedings in connection
with the custody or guardianship of children, the registration B
of the Judgment under the Act will be without any
consequence in law.
E) Any submission about validity of registration can be taken
by a judgment debtor in terms of Section 10 of the Act and
have the registration set aside. C
It is thus submitted that mere registration of the Judgment will
not make it enforceable. Reliance is placed on a legal opinion
given by Ms. Rubeena Dar a practising lawyer in Kenya. A copy
of Mirror Order dated 14.05.2018 issued by Superior Court, J.D.
of Stamford, Norwalk pursuant to the directions of the High Court D
of Delhi in Dr. Navtej Singh vs. State of NCT and another3 is
also relied upon to submit what a Mirror Order must normally
contemplate and provide. The relevant portion of said Order dated
14.05.2018 reads:-
“1. Plaintiff’s Motion for Order is granted on the application E
to Show Cause, docketed at #114.00.
2. The prior orders for sole physical and legal custody in
favour of the Plaintiff shall be recalled.
3. The prior orders remain in place that Jasmeet Kaur is to F
return immediately to Connecticut with the minor children.
4. The minor children shall remain in the custody of Jasmeet
Kaur, and the Plaintiff shall have reasonable interim visitation
with the minor children as agreed or Court ordered upon
the minor children’s return with Jasmeet Kaur to G
Connecticut, until further custody orders are determined
by the Connecticut Superior Court after granting adequate
opportunity of hearing to both the parties.
3
(2018) SCC OnLine Del 75-11 – which was affirmed by this Court in (2019) 17
SCALE 672 H
762 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A 5. That the Affidavit of Undertaking of the Plaintiff,
confirming how he has conformed his conduct to the Order
of the High Court of Delhi at New Delhi on March 6, 2018,
submitted as Exhibit B to the Motion for Order (Tab 2 of
Exhibit 2) is hereby approved and so ordered.
B 6. That Attorney William Taylor is hereby appointed as
escrow agent pursuant to Exhibit C to the Motion for Order
(Tab 3 of Exhibit 2).”
9. On the other hand, Mr. Anunaya Mehta, learned Advocate for
the respondent has relied upon the provisions of the Judicature
C Act of Kenya which empower the High Court of Kenya to exercise
jurisdiction in accordance with common law principles and doctrine
of equity and upon Article 2(5) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,
which recognizes the general rules of international law as forming
part of laws of Kenya. The opinion given by M/s. GMC Advocates
is also relied upon, the relevant portion of which reads as under:-
D
“Reference may additionally be had to the provisions of
Sections 4, 22 and 113 of the Children’s Act 2010 and
Article 53 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 which
provide that the best interest and welfare of the child is
paramount which would justify grant of orders in the nature
E of mirror orders.
A Mirror Order is issued by another Court which contains
the same terms as those that are contained in the Order
being mirrored. It is the practice in Courts in Kenya that a
Mirror Order is granted by registration of entire Judgment
F of the Foreign Court by the Court in Kenya. This is done so
as to avoid any variation in context, form or substance. The
registration of the Foreign Judgment by the Court of Kenya
is itself the Mirror Order. Nothing further is required.
Reference may be had to Judgment In Re Matter of I W
G P (Infant) [2013] eKLR) where in a matter concerning a
judgment passed by foreign court in relation to custody and
guardianship of a minor, the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi
had granted a mirror order.
Having regard to the law applicable in Kenya, the application
H for grant of a mirror order in accordance with the directions
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 763
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

contained in the judgment dated 28-10-2020 passed by A
supreme Court of India in case titled as “Smriti Madan
Kansagra vs. Perry Kansagra” [CA No. 3559/2020] was
made on 09-11-2020 before the High Court of Kenya at
Nairobi. The application was an ExParte application, as the
orders sought were noncontentious in nature, given the fact
B
that the matter was extensively and conclusively dealt with
by the Supreme Court of India and only Mirror Order was
sought from High Court of Kenya at Nairobi.
The application for grant of a mirror order was allowed by
the High Court and the judgment dated 28-10-2020 passed
by Supreme Court of India in case titled as “Smriti Madan C
Kansagra vs. Perry Kansagra” [CA No.3559/2020] was
registered in its entirety by order dated 09-11-2020.
Accordingly, the order dated 09-11-2020 issued by High
Court of Kenya at Nairobi in case bearing No. HCFOS/
E031 of 2020 whereby the judgment dated 28-10- 2020 D
passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in case titled as
“Smriti Madan Kansagra vs. Perry Kansagra” [CA No.
3559/2020] has been registered is a mirror order in
compliance with the said judgment.”
10. Having considered the rival submissions, in our view, the Order E
passed by the High Court of Kenya respectfully deserves and
must be shown due deference. Nothing turns on the form and
format of the Order, so long as the High Court of Kenya was
apprised of all the facts, and the context in which it was approached,
for compliance of the directions passed by this Court in the F
Judgment. Since the registration of the Judgment passed by this
Court has been done under the orders of the High Court of Kenya,
we accept the submissions made by the respondent. In our view,
the registration of the Judgment is sufficient compliance of the
direction to obtain a Mirror Order issued from a competent court
in Kenya. The fact that the registration was given at the instance G
of the respondent and the unconditional undertaking given by the
respondent to this Court, are sufficient compliance of the directions
issued by this Court.”
16.3. In the end, following directions were issued by this Court in
its Order dated 08.12.2020:- H
764 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A “A) Except for direction issued earlier in paragraph 20 of this
Order, and matters accepted by the learned counsel for the
respondent, no orders are called for in respect of any of the
directions sought for by the appellant.
B) All the directions issued in paragraph 20 of the Judgment
B hold good, with the addition of the one issued in paragraph
20 of this Order.
C) A further affidavit shall be filed by the respondent within
three days of this Order, that he shall abide by this Order
and the additional direction issued in paragraph 20 of this
C Order.
D) The respondent is not required to obtain any fresh Mirror
Order in respect of the aforesaid additional direction, before
Aditya is taken to Kenya, and it shall be sufficient if an
appropriate application to have this Order registered, in the
D same manner as the Judgment was registered, is preferred
within two weeks of Aditya reaching Kenya, and the copy
of such registration is thereafter filed in this Court at the
earliest.
E) After filing of the further affidavit as stated above, the
E respondent shall be at liberty to take Aditya to Kenya as
directed earlier in the Judgment.”
17. Perry filed an undertaking dated 09.12.2020 in this Court that
he would abide by the Order dated 08.12.2020. The undertaking was as
under: -
F
“I Mr. Perry Kansagra s/o Shri Mansukh Lal Patel, aged about
45 years, r/o 167 James Gichuru Road, Lavington Green, Nairobi,
Kenya presently in Delhi, India do hereby solemnly affirm and
state on oath as under: -

G 1. That I am the respondent in the captioned matter and I am
conversant with the facts and circumstances of the present case
and competent to swear the present affidavit.
2. I am executing the present affidavit in compliance of the
directions in paragraph 21(C) of the Order dated 08.12.2020 passed
H in the aforesaid matter.
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 765
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

3. I state that I shall truly and faithfully abide by the Order dated A
08.12.202 and additional direction issued in paragraph 20 of the
Order dated 08.12.2020 passed by this Hon’ble Court.”
18. In the aforestated circumstances, in terms of the orders issued
by this Court, custody of Aditya was handed over to Perry and Aditya
was taken by Perry to Kenya in December 2020. B
19. On 29.07.2021, Miscellaneous Application No.1167 of 2021
was filed by Smriti in Civil Appeal No.3559 of 2020 with following
assertions:-
“5. This Hon’ble Court had directed that the Appellant also be
granted additional access to Aditya, i.e. two trips of one week C
each to Kenya to meet Aditya. Accordingly, Appellant sought
additional access to the child during the Easter break falling in
April, 2021 in terms of para 21 of the judgement dated 28.10.2020.
The Appellant requested the Respondent to facilitate access and
visitation in Kenya for a week in April during Aditya’s Easter D
Holidays. However, the said access could not take place. Copy
of the email dated 30.03.2021issued by the Respondent cancelling
the visitation during easter is annexed hereto and marked as
Annexure P-3 (pg. no. 161 to 162).
6. Though the custody of Aditya was given to the Respondent E
father vide the judgment dated 28.10.2020, the Appellant’s/mother
was granted visitation and access rights to the child. This Hon’ble
Court ensured that both parents were equally involved in the
development of Aditya and protected the Appellant’s rights such
as including her in the school records and having access to Aditya’s
school and participation, when possible, in school events etc. The F
Respondent is not complying with the orders passed by this Hon’ble
Court. The Appellant-mother’s access and visitation is slowly being
reduced. The Appellant’s weekly access over Skype has been
reduced from 1 hour to 20 minutes a week.
7. That Aditya has not met the Appellant in last 7 months. This G
Hon’ble Court had also directed that Appellant was entitled to
50% of the annual vacation. The Respondent is obstructing the
Appellant’s access rights to Aditya. Hence, the Appellant is
constrained to file the present application seeking compliance of
the directions of this Hon’ble Court in relation to the Appellant’s
H
766 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A access rights during summer vacation wherein Aditya is to be in
the temporary custody of the Appellant for 50% of the summer
vacations. Aditya’s school summer vacations have started and
the Appellant’s precious time with Aditya is being lost. The
obstruction of the Respondent is made evident by the following
facts:
B
a. In terms of judgment dated 28.10.2020, the Appellant wrote
an email to the Respondent on11.07.2021informing the
Respondent that she would like Aditya to visit India
01.08.2021 to 27.08.2021, i.e., 50% of his summer vacation
falling between 10.07.2021 to 01.09.2021. A copy of the
C email dated 11.07.2021 is annexed hereto and marked as
Annexure P-4 (pg. no. 163).
b. b. That the Appellant received no reply to her email dated
11.07.2021 and was constrained to issue an urgent reminder
to the Respondent vide email dated 15.07.2021 wherein the
D Appellant reiterated her request to the Respondent of
urgently confirming the dates of Aditya’s visit to India, in
terms of the judgement dated 28.10.2020 and order dated
08.12.2020. A copy of email dated 15.07.2021 is annexed
hereto and marked as Annexure P-5 (pg.no. 164)
E c. That the Respondent vide his email dated 16.07.2021
informed the Appellant that the summer vacation visitation
would not be possible. The Respondent declined to comply
with the directions of this Hon’ble Court in view of the
ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and for the one-year mourning
F period being undertaken by Aditya and the Respondent for
the Respondent’s father wherein the Respondent and his
family including Aditya have purportedly decided not to travel
or go to any hotels. A copy of email dated 16.07.2021is
annexed hereto and marked as Annexure P-6 (pg. no. 165
to 166)
G
d. The Appellant reiterated her request of sending Aditya to
India vide email dated 21.07.2021. The Appellant assuaged
the Respondent’s unreal fears and informed him that Covid-
19 cases in Delhi have drastically reduced, and the situation
has improved in Delhi. The cases are on an all-time low in
H Delhi as compared to April-May 2021. Appellant, being
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 767
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

Aditya’s mother is concerned about his safety and health A
and only made a request for visitation when the situation
regarding Covid-19 cases improved in Delhi. The Appellant
also suggested that she was open to working out an
arrangement which would be safest and best for Aditya.
The copy of the email dated 21.07 .2021 is annexed hereto
B
and marked as Annexure P-7 (pg. no. 167 to 168)
e. The Respondent, instead of working out a solution and
arrangement for Aditya to meet the Appellant replied vide
email on 24.07.2021 in a bitter, unpleasant and aggressive
manner and again denied the Appellant’s request. A copy
of email dated 24.07.2021is annexed hereto and marked as C
Annexure P-8 (pg. no. 169 to 171).
… … …
13. Thus, in view of the above, the present application is being
moved for necessary directions directing the Respondent to comply D
with the judgment dated 28.10.2020 and order dated 08.12.2020
and facilitate Aditya’s meeting with the Appellant. The said
directions are necessary for the welfare and best interests of the
child. The vacation visitation shall ensure that Aditya has a real
and effective contact with the mother.”
E
20. The application thus prayed:-
“(a) Pass an order directing the Respondent to comply with
the judgment dated 28.10.2020 and order dated 08.12.2020 by
facilitating Aditya’s vacation access to the Appellant: inter alia
for breach relating to the direction of Aditya being in the temporary F
custody of the Appellant during 50% of the summer vacations”
21. The emails dated 11.07.2021, 15.07.2021, 16.07.2021,
21.07.2021 and 24.07.2021 are quoted hereunder for facility:-
“Email dated 11.07.2021
“Dear Perry, G

As per the term dates on the website of Pepponi School, Nairobi,
Aditya’s summer vacation has commenced from 09.07.2021 and
continues till 02.09.2021. I would like to have Aditya visit me from
01.08.2021 to 27.08.2021. (half of the summer vacation as granted
to me by the Hon’ble Supreme Court). H
768 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A Kindly confirm the same by email.
Regards
Smriti”
Email dated 15.07.2021
B “Dear Perry,
Please refer to my email dated 11.07.2021, wherein I had urgently
requested you to confirm the dates of travel for Aditya to visit me
during his summer break ‘2021 in terms of the Hon’ble Supreme
Court order. I had suggested 1st Aug 2021 to 27th Aug 2021.
C
Furthermore, I am informed that an Air India flight (bubble flight)
once a week (apparently on every Friday) is functional from Kenya
to Delhi via Ahmedabad. Kindly arrange for him to visit me on
23rd July 2021 or 30th July 2021or 6th August 2021 for half of his
summer break i.e. appropriately 27 days. I am flexible on dates,
D provided the Hon’ble Supreme Court orders are adhered to.
I am anxiously awaiting your response and affirmation.
Regards
Smiriti”
E Email dated 16.07.2021
“Dear Smriti,
I would like to inform you that the whole world is currently in the
midst of a major pandemic and throughout the World, Covid
F Variants like Delta, Delta Plus, Lambda and Kappa are rampant
and causing unprecedented infections and deaths.
India has gone through a brutal and lethal Second Wave of Covid
which has caused unprecedented deaths in India. There are
scientific predictions that India is going to have a Third Wave of
Covid Pandemic sometime in August 2021 and the third wave is
G
likely to infect children more.
Several Countries World over including the UK, Russia, France,
Italy, Holland, Germany and Bangladesh amongst many, many
others have been experiencing the third wave of Covid. The signs
of the Third wave of Covid are also evident as some states in
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 769
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

India have already started seeing a rise in the number of Covid A
cases. Aditya is aged 12 years and is very well aware of Covid
situation and he is very conscious for the safety of himself and his
family.
I would also like to inform you that all passenger flights between
Kenya and India are suspended due to Covid. You are also aware B
that due to Covid, Aditya has recently lost his Paternal grandfather.
There is a year long mourning in the family and Aditya has chosen
not to celebrate any events and also not to travel. Since this
Pandemic has caused an irreparable loss to my Family, for the
safety and well being of Aditya it is not in the interest of Aditya to
travel. As you know, there is no Vaccine for children yet. C

After reading your email dated 11-7-2021 and 15-7-2021 I am
disappointed that when the whole world is facing such a pandemic
and people are keeping their children home to protect them from
the Covid Pandemic, you want Aditya to risk his life to travel five
thousand Kilometers and be exposed to Covid Virus. D
Your Information with respect to operation of passenger flights
by Air India is extremely incorrect. Air India is operating flights
only under The Vande Bharat Mission for evacuating nationals.
The Relevant portion of Air India Circular for Travel attached.
E
The Relevant extract of KCAA Circular Kenya attached.
Other Relevant attachments: -
• https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-may-witness-third-
covid-wave-from-next-month-sbi-report-11625457429589.html
F
•https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/third-wave-of-covid-19-likely-to-
attack-children-vaccinate-the-parents-quickly-dr-devi-shetty-of-
narayana-health-59277/
•https://telanganatoday.com/experts-call-for-caution-ahead-of-
third-wave
G
Therefore in view of the Covid circumstances I am constrained
to inform you that Summer vacations visitation with Aditya would
not be possible.
Regards.
Perry” H
770 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A Email dated 21.07.2021
“Dear Perry
Pretty surprised to note the aggressive content in your response
dated 16th July 2021 to my email. After all, I am only seeking
compliance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court order. Why do you
B want to make this adversarial?
You pressed for an urgent hearing of the appeal in the Supreme
Court in the midst of the pandemic. The Hon’ble Supreme Court
permitted you the custody of Adu in middle of pandemic on your
asking. You travelled to India from Kenya with your revered now
C dear departed father in order to take the custody of Adu and then
took him to Kenya; all during the pandemic. Clearly all your
pandemic related pretexts to not comply with the Hon’ble Supreme
Court order are just afterthoughts. And yes, Aditya travelled with
you to Kenya in December 2020, very much during the pandemic
D when there were limited flights permitted, just as in the present
situation.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court gave the custody of Adu to you as
well as visitation rights to me during the pandemic. Access granted
to me was not to begin after the pandemic was over.
E Being Aditya’s mother, I am most careful and concerned about
his safety and security. Please be assured that I will never
compromise Aditya’s safety. It has been seven months since Aditya
has met his mother and grandmother, who he is extremely close
to. Continued physical separation from his mother and grandmother
F shall have an adverse impact on Aditya.
No doubt that the second wave in India was brutal, but cases in
Delhi have reduced drastically and presently there are on an
average only 40 new cases being reported. Positivity of the virus
is only 0.1%. Large number of the population in Delhi have also
got vaccinated. All over India the cases are constantly coming
G
down. There is no requirement of a lockdown nor indeed is there
one in Delhi. Even national institutions are opening physically. The
second wave of covid is all but finished in India. Moreover, my
mother and I are also fully vaccinated. In fact the situation in
Delhi regarding Covid-19 cases may be relatively better than in
H Nairobi, Kenya. There is no third wave in India. Chances of a
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 771
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

possible third wave in India, even if it were to occur, is only expected A
in late September and October 2021. This is as per the Indian
Council for Medical Research; the Apex Medical Body in this
regard. There are even chances that the third wave may not occur
at all. The child’s right to meet his mother cannot be violated on
such distant apprehensions. Your approach is casual and
B
dismissive.
Your revered father’s demise was really sad. I have extended my
heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I reiterate them to
you. May his soul rest in peace. I pray that you and your mother
find strength to navigate through this difficult time. However, for
C
a child to meet his mother is nothing to do with breach of mourning
that your family may be undertaking. For my child to meet me
cannot be seen to be a breach of any custom of your family!
Moreover, Aditya meeting his mother and grandmother will only
being him love and warmth which is in fact necessary for Aditya
right now. D
Your email completely denying Aditya’s access to his mother and
grandmother is not only against the best interest of Aditya but is
also unreasonable and unfair. Instead of finding a via media or an
arrangement where Aditya can meet his mother and grandmother
in the safest possible way, your absolute denial is nothing but an E
attempt to alienate Aditya from me.
Your attempt to alienate Aditya is also revealed from your consistent
attempt in reducing Aditya’s weekly skype time from l hour to
now 15-20 minutes. During these Skype sessions Aditya looks
like he is being controlled and appears to be sad and low. You F
appear to be intending to chip away at the sacrosanct Supreme
Court orders. Not acceptable.
Thus, it is of utmost importance that Aditya is able to meet his
mother and grandmother. Though Delhi is safe now, I am open to
working out an arrangement which will ensure maximum security G
and safety for Aditya. You are aware that My mother and I stayed
in Shimla at our house from April to June and it was extremely
safe. I could take Aditya to Shimla in order to ensure maximum
safety. I am also open to working out any other arrangement
keeping Aditya’s safety in mind. Shimla has negligible covid cases.
H
772 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A Kindly book Aditya’s tickets at the earliest so that he can meet his
mother and grandmother.
Eagerly waiting to meet Aditya. Looking forward to your
cooperation.
Regards
B
Smriti”
Email dated 24.07.2021
“Dear Smriti,
Your perpetual habit of living in a hallucination and La La land
C
continues.
Your email dated 21-7-2021 raising aspersions on the Hon’ble
Supreme Court of India are uncalled for. Let me remind you that
you left no stone unturned to make sure that the custody case in
India gets delayed in perpetuity and you tried to do the same before
D
the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. You employed various tactics
like filing frivolous applications one after another, so don’t forget
your own conduct, acts and deeds.
In December 2020, the regular passenger flights were operating
intra country albeit with reduced capacity. It is also relevant to
E mention that the fresh Covid cases in India in December 2020
were very less as compared to current figure of around 45,000
daily Covid cases. However currently passenger flights between
India and Kenya are completely suspended and I had provided
you with the details of said suspension of flights vide my earlier
F reply email dated 16-7-2021.
Your concern for safety of Aditya in the email does not match
with your insistence of calling Aditya to India in the present
circumstances and Covid environment. The second wave of
Corona is not yet over in India and as a matter of fact as per The
G Govt of India, the third wave will hit India between August and
October 2021 (Refer to attached link). If the vaccine was the
answer to the pandemic, then the whole World would have opened
way back and there would not have been severe restrictions and
lockdowns. Lockdowns and restrictions that are increasing by
the day.
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 773
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

It seems that your memory is either weak or extremely short, as A
due to Covid I also did not have my visitations with Aditya from
April 2020 till December 2020. That is 9 months of physical
separation of Aditya from me due to Covid and at that time I
never kept writing you emails for visitations because I was sensible
enough to understand the Covid circumstances and restrictions.
B
With regret I need to tell you that your approach towards Covid is
Casual and dismissive, you are behaving as if there is no covid at
all. Do not forget the death toll of Covid cases in India stands at
staggering 3-5 million people (Refer to attached link).
With respect to your reference to Shimla, it is extremely unsafe C
as the humungous Tourists visiting Shimla make it unsafe qua
Covid. Secondly, Currently Himachal Pradesh is undergoing
massive landslides and road blocks due to the ongoing Monsoons.
As you will recollect that earlier also I had requested you to mend
your ways with respect to skype meetings with Aditya but you D
paid no heed to the same. Please note that the duration of the
skype is in the realm of Aditya and nothing to do with me. In case
he is talking to you for 15-20 minutes, it appears that your
conversation is not sufficient enough to keep him engaged during
the skype though you are still having Skype with Aditya every
weekend. E

Aditya is extremely happy in Kenya, barring the week he lost his
grandfather who was very dear to him. In case Aditya is sad and
low during skype talks with you, it reflects the non interest of
Aditya in your pathetic conversation with him.
F
Relevant attachments:-
*https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/true-deaths-
due-to-covid-likely-to-be-in-several-millions-not-hundreds-of-
thousands-arvind-subramanian/articleshow/84575636.cms
*https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/second-wave-not-yet- G
over-centre-writes-to-states-says-no-room-for-complacency/
articleshow/84404841.cms

H
774 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A *https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-3rd-wave-
has-it-arrived-what-government-latest-projection-reports-say-
101626620955675. html
*https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/
growing-tourist-rush-raises-covid-concerns-in-himachal-
B 101625903253886.html
I again reiterate my stand that was conveyed to you vide my
reply email dated 16-7-2021.
Regards.

C Perry”
22. In his reply dated 05.08.2021 which was supported by an
affidavit sworn in Kenya on 05.08.2021, Perry responded as under:-
“1. At the outset, the Respondent seeks to state that there is not
even the remotest intention on his part to disobey or violate the
D orders passed by this Hon’ble Court including the judgment dated
28.10.2020 passed in the captioned matter. However, the ensuing
circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its
sweep across the World, in the Respondent’s submission, are such
that compliance of the direction in relation to visitation of the child
in India with the Appellant would not be in the best interest of the
E
health of the child and therefore, the Respondent prays for
exemption from strict compliance of the said direction for the
present. …”
… … …
“2. There is also a logistical issue in Aditya travelling to India. The
F
Air-bubble flight between Kenya and India would not allow Aditya
to travel to India from Kenya since Aditya does not fall under any
of the permitted categories of persons who are entitled to travel
to India. Even otherwise the current Covid-19 environment
prevalent in India and in the world is not safe for the child to
G undertake long distance travel.”
… … …
“7. The Respondent, however, is not at all averse to the Appellant
meeting the child and is not in any manner intending to deprive the
Appellant of her right of visitation under the orders passed by this
H Hon’ble Court. If the Appellant can find an alternative method of
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 775
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

travelling to Kenya even at present, the Respondent would be A
more than willing to visitation of appellant with child Aditya in
Kenya for the current vacations.”
… … …
In reply to paragraph 7 of the application, it was asserted:-
“That para 7 of the application as stated is wrong, false and B
vehemently denied. It is denied that the Respondent is obstructing
the Appellant’s access and visitations, as alleged. Rather, it is only
as a result of supervening circumstances, as explained in detail in
the preliminary submissions, that the Respondent believes that
Aditya’s travel to New Delhi will not be in his best interest and C
welfare, especially from the point of view of his health, and it is
for this reason that the Respondent prays for exemption from
strict compliance of the direction qua visitation in Delhi at present.
Pertinently, the reasons for a hiccup in the visitation schedule is
for reasons completely beyond the control of the Respondent –
similar to the circumstances when the Respondent could not travel D
to India for about 9 months i.e. from April 2020 till December
2020 during the pendency of the main appeal before this Hon’ble
Court in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
23. In her rejoinder to the aforesaid reply, Smriti appended various
documents dealing with the apprehension expressed by Perry and E
submitted: -
“b) That most restrictions imposed by the State Government and
Central Government have been lifted or relaxed and a large part
of the population in Delhi has already been vaccinated. There has
been no lockdown in Delhi for the last two months and all the F
important public and private institutions are either already open
and functioning or are in the process of doing so. …
…… …
2. Thus, in view of the above, it is absolutely safe for Aditya to
travel to Delhi and meet his mother and grandmother. The G
apprehension and fear of the Respondent regarding Aditya’s visit
to India are misplaced and unjustified.
3. As far as Aditya taking a flight and being exposed to other
fellow passengers is concerned, Aditya would travel in first class
and shall have minimum exposure just like he did when he travelled H
776 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A from Delhi to Nairobi in December, 2020. Thus, this fear of the
Respondent of Aditya travelling in a flight is not only misplaced
but also unreasonable and self-serving. Moreover, all international
flights are following prescribed covid appropriate protocol during
the flights, similar to the protocol followed in the December 2020
flight taken by Respondent for Aditya while travelling to Nairobi.
B
4. It is respectfully submitted that the Aditya is close to his mother
and grandmother and it would be incorrect to suggest that he
does not want to come to India to meet his mother and grandmother.
Aditya’s close attachment to his mother and grandmother has
also been observed and noted by this Hon’ble Court when it
C interacted with Aditya on 17.02.2020. …”
24. The matter was taken up on 11.08.2021 when the following
order was passed by this Court: -
“In the judgment dated 28.10.2020 in C.A. No.35589/2020 and
D subsequent order dated 08.12.2020 passed by this Court, several
issues were touched upon and one of the issues was concerning
vacation access to be enjoyed by the mother of the child.
In terms of the directions issued by this Court, the child-Aditya
was required to join the company of the mother during his vacation.
E However, because of the prevailing situation pursuant to Covid-
19 Pandemic, the father was apprehensive and as such Aditya
has not yet joined the company of his mother.
In the circumstances, M.A. No.1167 of 2021 has been preferred
by the mother seeing appropriate directions to facilitate Aditya’s
F vacation access to the mother.
Mr. A.S. Chandiok, learned Senior Advocate appearing for the
mother submits that she has already booked the flights and Aditya
can board the flight leaving Nairobi on 13.08.2021 to be with the
mother till 01.09.2021.
G According to Mr. Chandiok, since the child enjoys the status as
“Overseas Citizen of India” card holder, even under the present
regime of Air Transport Bubbles, the child can certainly come to
India and after the vacation gets over, go back to Nairobi.
Mr. Anunaya Mehta, learned advocate submits that the OCI card
H holder status enjoyed by Aditya was attached to his earlier passport.
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 777
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

It is submitted that as noticed in the Judgment dated 28.10.2020, A
the original passport having been lost, a new passport has been
issued in favour of Aditya and the number of said passport does
not appear in the OCI Card of Aditya.
Since in terms of the order passed by this Court, the vacation
access is to be enjoyed by the mother and the fact that Aditya B
was holding a status of OCI card holder, we direct as under:
(a) Let an appropriate application seeking renewal of the status
as OCI Card Holder be preferred by Perry Kansagra-father of
Aditya today itself in the Office of the Indian Embassy at Nairobi.
(b) Upon such application being preferred, the Indian Embassy at C
Nairobi is directed to process the application immediately.
(c) If the Embassy Office finds that Aditya is entitled to the renewal
of the OCI card holder Status, appropriate endorsement shall be
made or fresh card shall be issued so as to enable Aditya board
the flight on 13.08.2021. D
(d) Perry Kansagra-father of Aditya is at liberty to produce copy
of this order before the Indian Embassy at Nairobi for facility.
Thus, there would be no impediment in Aditya’s boarding the flight
to Delhi on 13.08.2021 and return on 01.09.2021. In this process,
E
the vacation access to his mother shall stand fulfilled.
List the matter on 16.08.2021 for reporting compliance.”
25. On 16.08.2021, I.A. No.100550 of 2021 was filed by Smriti
submitting: -
“4. That the Respondent did not allow Aditya to board the flight F
on 13.08.2021 and from enquiries made by the Appellant from the
Indian High Commission at Nairobi, the Respondent has not taken
any steps to renew Aditya’s OCI Card Status. To perpetuate and
in furtherance of his mala fides, the Respondent refused to respond
to the e-mails issued by the counsel for the Appellant qua G
compliance of the aforementioned orders of this Hon’ble Court,
as also blocked the Appellant on WhatsApp and email, and also
sought to withdraw his legal representation in India, a day before
the hearing before this Hon’ble Court. The Respondent has not
answered the phone calls of the Appellant. The Appellant has
H
778 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A detailed the specific acts and conduct of the Respondent in this
respect in her affidavit dated 14.08.2021 filed before this Hon’ble
Court, which may be read as an integral part of this application
also. It is respectfully submitted that the aforementioned deliberate
conduct of the Respondent is not only mala fide but impedes and
obstructs the administration of justice and harm the welfare of
B
Aditya, while seeking to dilute the majesty of this Hon’ble Court.
………
6. That the fact the Respondent did not get OCI of the child
renewed and attach it to the new passport or take nay steps to
apply for visa for Aditya to travel to India shows that the
C Respondent did not have any intentions of complying with the
judgment dated 28.10.2020 from the day it was pronounced. The
conduct of the Respondent post the passing of the Judgment dated
28.10.2020 and order dated 08.12.2020 and 11.08.2021 has now
established that the Respondent had no intention to allow access
D between the child and the mother.
7. The respondent has violated the undertaking given vide an
affidavit of compliance given by him to this Hon’ble Court dated
20.11.2020 wherein he had given his undertaking to this Hon’ble
Court, on solemn oath and affirmation, to comply with its directions.
E The Respondent had also obtained a mirror order dated 11.11.2020
from the High Court of Kenya, Milimani Law Courts, Family
Division wherein the final judgment of this Hon’ble Court dated
28.10.2020 was registered (hereinafter referred to as “the mirror
order”). The Respondent has thus, willfully defied his undertaking
given to this Hon’ble Court and also the mirror order obtained
F from the Kenyan High Court. …
8. The Respondent had also given an affidavit of undertaking in
the proceedings before the High Court of Delhi to comply with
the orders of the Hon’ble Court. The Respondent’s mother had
also given an undertaking to the High Court of Delhi to comply
G with the orders of the Hon’ble Court. It requires mention that this
undertaking of the mother was not included in the order of
08.12.2020 as this Hon’ble Court found that the mirror orders and
the Respondent’s undertaking and Rs.1 crore security were
adequate. …
H … ……
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 779
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

12. The Appellant has had no physical access to Aditya since A
10.12.2020. The weekly Skype call as per the final judgment dated
28.10.2020 which was to take place on the weekend of 14.08.2021
and 15.08.2021 was also not facilitated by the Respondent. The
Appellant has now been blocked on all means of communication,
WhatsApp, Skype, phone and email since 14.08.2021. The
B
Appellant has also left a voice message for Master Aditya to call
her back but has not received any call back.”
The prayers made in the application are not extracted here as the
same were quoted in the subsequent order dated 17.8.2021 passed by
this Court.
C
26. Since the directions issued by this Court were not complied
with, this Court in its Order dated 16.08.2021 stated:-
“This is in continuation of the order dated 11.08.2021 passed
by this Court in Miscellaneous Application No.1167/2021.
Despite clear directions issued by this Court in the order dated
D
11.08.2021, the father-Perry Kansagra has not followed the same.
No application has been preferred seeking renewal or grant of
OCI Cardholder status. In fact as disclosed by Smriti Kansagra
has not even responded to any of the calls made by her.
Mr. Anunaya Mehta, learned Advocate instructed by Mr.
Inderjeet Saroop and Mr. P.K. Manohar who was representing E
Perry Kansagra all the while now reports that Perry Kansagra
does not wish to continue their services as Advocates representing
him. He further states that no instructions are being received from
Mr. Perry Kansagra and no contact is getting established between
the instructing advocates and Mr. Perry Kansagra. F
It was on certain clear understanding that this Court allowed
the custody of the child to be with Perry Kansagra subject to
certain conditions. Those conditions implied that during vacation,
the vacation access shall be enjoyed by mother of the child. Non
observance of these conditions shows the attitude of Perry
G
Kansagra. Non observance of the conditions as well as making
himself inaccessible definitely betrays defiance on part of Perry
Kansagra.
Considering these facts, we direct that Mr. Inderjeet Saroop
and Mr. P.K. Manohar, learned advocates shall not be discharged
and shall continue to represent Perry Kansagra. H
780 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A Let a copy of this order be immediately transmitted to the Indian
Embassy at Nairobi to be served upon Perry Kansagra.
Additionally, the Registry is also directed to send copies of this
order as well as order dated 11.08.2021 to the Indian Embassy at
Nairobi for its record and facility.
B List this mater for further consideration as first item on Board
on 17.8.2021.”
27. The Order dated 17.08.2021 passed by this Court the next
day quoted the reliefs prayed for in I.A.No.100550 of 2021 and proceeded
to pass directions as stated therein: -
C
“I.A. No.100550/2021 has been filed on behalf of Smriti Madan
Kansagra-mother of Aditya praying inter alia:
“a. Pass an order taking suo motu cognizance of the conduct
of Respondent-Perry Kansagra and initiate appropriate
D proceedings against him and pass all consequential orders:
b. Issue show cause notice to Respondent-Perry Kansagra
as to why he should not be suitably charged, convicted and
sentence in accordance with law and for this purpose direct
the Indian High Commission at Kenya and London to seek
the assistance of the appropriate authorities to secure the
E
personal presence of Kansagra before this Hon’ble Court
by taking him into custody or otherwise;
c. Revert the custody of Aditya Vikram Kansagra to the
Appellant;
F d. Restrain the Respondent-Perry Kansagra from taking
any action, or/and taking any steps, or/and initiating and/or
prosecuting any proceedings or any action of any nature
before the Courts in Kenya or any other court which will
create an impediment in the implementation or execution
of order dated 11.08.2021 or any other order or judgement
G passed by this Hon’ble Court’
e. Restrain the Respondent-Perry Kansagra from seeking
any modification of the mirror order dated 11.112020 from
the High Court of Kenya, Milimani Law Courts, Family
Division.
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 781
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

f. Compel the Respondent-Perry Kansagra to yield both A
the Kenyan passport and the UK passport of Aditya Vikram
Kansagra to the Officer authorised by the Indian High
Commission.
g. Pass an order impleading the Union of India through the
Ministry of External Affairs in the present proceedings and B
take the amended memo of parties being Annexure P-10
on record.
h. In view of the mirror order dated 11.11.2020, direct the
Indian High Commission at Nairobi, Kenya to take the
assistance of the Kenyan Authorities to take steps to locate C
Aditya Vikram Kansagra and bring him back to India on a
flight arranged by the Appellant;
i. Direct the Indian High Commission at Nairobi Kenya to
issue an emergency travel document for Aditya Vikram
Kansagra renewing his OCI on his present/current Kenyan D
passport.
j. Direct a responsible official of the Indian High Commission
at Kenya to travel with Aditya from Nairobi to New Delhi
and to hand over Aditya upon reaching New Delhi to the
Appellant; E
k. Pass an order directing the Union of India to issue a red
corner notice against Perry Kansagra.
l. Revive the undertaking of Respondent’s mother, Mrs.
Sucheta Patel, dated 27.02.2020 given before the High Court
of Delhi and bind her to the orders passed by this Hon’ble F
Court.
m. Pass an order striking of the defence of the Respondent-
Perry Kansagra in the pending proceedings arising out of
the marriage with the Appellant and dismiss the counter
claim filed by the Respondent as mentioned in paragraph G
No.21(e).
n. Pass ad interim ex parte orders in terms of prayers ‘a’ to
‘m’ hereinabove.
o. Pass any other order it may deem fit in the interests of
justice.” H
782 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A Heard Mr. A.S. Chandhiok and Ms. Sonia Mathur, learned
Senior Advocates for Smriti Kansagra.
Considering the facts and circumstances on record, we issue
notice on this application.
Since, learned advocates for Perry Kansagra are present, no
B separate notice is actually necessary. However, we direct issuance
notice to Mr. Perry Kansagra-father of Aditya on this application.
We also direct the Indian Embassy at Nairobi, Kenya to serve
a copy of this order upon Mr. Perry Kansagra.

C At this stage, we grant ad interim relief in terms of Prayers
(d), (e) & (f) made in the aforesaid application. In order to consider
and effectuate the relief prayed for in prayer (g) and for the
assistance required in the instant matter, we issue notice to the
Central Agency, returnable on 19.08l.2021. Additionally, the papers
shall be served upon the office of learned Solicitor General of
D India to take appropriate steps in the matter.
List this matter on 19.08.2021 as first item on Board.
We request Mr. Anunaya Mehta, learned Advocate as an
Officer of the Court to assist the Court in ensuring compliance of
a Mirror Order produced on record at the instance of Perry
E
Kansagra.”
28. On 18.08.2021, another Interim Application was filed by Smriti
stating:-
“11. The custody of Aditya was given by the Appellant to Perry
F on 10.12.2020 on the strength of the “mirror order” dated
9.11.2020, which he all along knew was not in compliance of this
Hon’ble Court’s order in it’s true spirit. The Respondent in a well-
planned conspiracy consciously did not comply with the judgment
dated 28.10.2020.
G 12. Pithily put, the motion of the Respondent to comply with the
pre-condition of obtainment of mirror orders before taking the
custody of Aditya to Kenya has not been met by the Respondent,
as the Kenyan Court, has by a speaking order, dismissed the same.
The Respondent only came to know of this order dated 21.05.2021
passed by the Kenyan High Court on 17.08.2021.
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 783
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

13. It appears that the Respondent has perpetrated a fraud on A
this Hon’ble Court and that he has suppressed his failure to meet
the pre-condition of obtaining a mirror order from the Kenyan
Court in terms of the judgment dated 28.10.2020 passed by this
Hon’ble Court. In that view of the matter, the very custody of
Aditya with the Respondent is illegal and the continued illegal
B
custody falls foul of the penal laws of India.”
It was, therefore, prayed:-
“a. Declare that the custody of Aditya Vikram Kansagra with
Perry Kansagra is illegal and recall the order dated 28.10.2020
read with 08.12.2020; C
b. Direct the Registrar of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to
register an FIR against the Respondent, his mother and other
unknown persons under Sections 191, 193, 209, 420, 361, 363,
365 and 368 read with Sections 34 and 120B of the IPC and any
other applicable provision; D
c. Direct the CBI to investigate the said FIR and also empower
the CBI to take steps to bring Aditya Vikram Kansagra back to
the lawful custody of Smriti Kansagra.”
29. A copy of the Order dated 21.05.2021 was appended to the
aforestated application. Said Order dated 21.05.2021 was to the following E
effect:-
“REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAIROBI
FAMILY DIVISION F
MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION NO.E031 OF 2020
IN THE MATTER OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS
(RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT)
ACT, CAP 43 OF THE LAWS OF KENYA G
IN THE MATTER OF AN ORDER OF THE SUPREME
COURT OF INDIA ISSUED ON 28TH OCTOBER, 2020
AND
IN THE MATTER OF AVK (A CHILD)
H
784 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A AND IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 4, 22, 113 OF
THE CHILDREN ACT AND
ARTICLE 53 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA
2010
FOR AN APPLICATION FOR MIRROR ORDERS
B
BY
PK…………………………….EX-PARTE APPLICANT
BETWEEN

C PK…………………………….EX-PARTE APPLICANT
JUDGMENT
1. PK the Applicant herein, filed an Originating Summons dated
30.10.2020 seeking the following:-
1. Spent
D
2. THAT the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court of
India in Supreme Court Civil appeal No.3559 of 2020 – SMK
v. PK be registered.
3. THAT further, or other or orders, be granted so as to give
E effect to the orders of an in compliance with judgment of the
Supreme Court of India made on 28th October 2020.
4. THAT costs be reserved.
2. The Application is anchored on the provisions of the Constitution
of Kenya, 2020, the Children Act and the Foreign Judgments
F (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act and all enabling provisions of law.
Given the prayers sought herein, the primary law on the matter is
the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act.
3. The facts of this case as can be gleaned from the record is that
the Applicant a Kenyan citizen married S an Indian Citizen 29.7.09.
G Following the marriage, S moved to Kenya and settled in her
matrimonial home. In 2009, she returned to India for the birth of
their son AVK, who was born on 2.12.09 in New Delhi, India. On
1.7.10, the child came to Kenya with his parents where they lived.
On 10.3.12 the child went to India both parents and was due to
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 785
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

return to Kenya on 6.6.12. The Applicant went to India on 22.6.12 A
and spent time with S and the child until 26.4.12 when he returned
to Kenya. On 26.5.12, S filed suit in the Delhi High Court, seeking
a permanent injunction restraining the Applicant and his parents
from removing the child from her lawful custody or from Delhi, or
accessing the child in school, which orders were granted. This
B
marked the beginning of litigation between the parties from the
High Court all the way to the Supreme Court and culminated in
the judgment, the registration of which the Applicant seeks.
4. In the judgment, the Supreme Court of India ordered that the
custody of the child be handed over by S to the Applicant subject
C
to several conditions set out in the judgment. Key among the
conditions is that the Applicant was to obtain a mirror order from
this Court reflecting the directions in the judgment, within 2 weeks.
A copy of the mirror order was then to be filed in the Supreme
Court of India.
5. The law relating to enforcement of judgments made in the D
foreign countries is set out in the Foreign Judgment (Reciprocal
Enforcement) Act, Chapter 43 of the Laws of Kenya. The
objective of the Act is to make provision for the enforcement in
Kenya, of judgments given in other countries which accord
reciprocal treatment to judgments given in Kenya and for other E
purposes in connection therewith. The orders that the Applicant
seeks to have registered by this Court were issued by the Supreme
Court of India. In order for the said order to be enforceable, it
must meet 2 criteria. First, the order must be made by a designated
court and second, it must be an order or judgment to which the
Act applies. F

6. Section 2(1) of the Act defines a designated court as follows:-
“designated court” means –
(a) a superior court of a reciprocating country which is a
Commonwealth country; G

(b) a superior court of any other reciprocating country which
is specified in an order made under Section 13;
(c) a subordinate court of a reciprocating country which is
specified in an order made under Section 13; H
786 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A 7. Section 2(1) of the Act further defines a “reciprocating country”
as that country declared as such, for the purposes of this Act by
the Minister under Section 13(1). The superior Court giving the
judgment must be of a reciprocating country, as declared by the
line Minister by an order, to be a reciprocating country for the
purposes of the Act.
B
8. The Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) (Extension
of Act) Order, 1984 lists in a schedule, the countries declared by
the minister to be reciprocating countries. Paragraph 2 of the Order
provides:
C The countries specified in the schedule are declared to be
reciprocating countries for the purposes of the Act and the
Act shall apply with respect to judgments given by superior
courts of those countries.
SCHEDULE
D 1. Australia,
2. Malwai,
3. Seychelles,
4. Tanzania,
E 5. Uganda,
6. Zambia,
7. The United Kingdom,
8. Republic of Rwanda.
F
9. From the above schedule, it is evident that India has not by an
order of the Minister, been declared to be a reciprocating country.
In the case of Jayesh Hasmukh Shah v. Navin Haria and another
[2016] eKLR the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal where the
appellant sought to enforce and execute in Kenya a judgment
G from Ethopia which like India, is not a reciprocating country under
the provisions of the Act. The Court stated:
There is currently no treaty in place between Kenya and
Ethopia pursuant to which either country’s judgment may
be enforced by either country’s court. It is not in dispute
H that Ethopia’s Federal Supreme Court is not a “designated
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 787
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

court” within the meaning of Kenya’s Foreign Judgment A
(Reciprocal Enforcement) Act. The respondent cited the
case of Intalframe Ltd. v. Mediterranean Shipping Company,
(1986) KLR where this Court expressed that the basic
principle upon which neighbouring or other states provided
for enforcement of foreign judgments is one of reciprocity.
B
It is our considered view that the case of Intalframe Ltd. v.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (supra) and the Foreign
Judgment (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act (Cap 43, Laws of
Kenya) are not relevant to this appeal as they are applicable
only where there is reciprocal arrangement on enforcement
of foreign judgment. C
10. There are currently no reciprocal arrangements in place
between Kenya and India pursuant to which either country’s
judgment may be enforced or registered by either country’s courts.
As such, the Supreme Court of India is not a “designated court”
within the meaning of the Act. D
11. It is noted that the order, the registration of which is sought by
the Appellant relates to the custody of the child of the Appellant
and S. Even if India were a reciprocating country, the Application
herein would still run into headwinds in view of the provisions of
Section 3(3)(e) of the Act which stipulates:- E
(3) This Act does not apply to a judgment or order-
(e) in proceedings in connection with the custody or
guardianship of children;
12. This Court has no jurisdiction to enforce or register a foreign F
judgment in proceedings in connection with the custody or
guardianship of a child. This is because the Act does not apply to
judgment in in such proceedings. In this regard, I agree with
Mysyoka, J. who in Ian Mbugua Mimano v. Charlotte Wamuyu
Mutisya & 2 others [2014] eKLR. Stated.
G
There is no jurisdiction for me to deal with the matter of
the enforcement of a foreign decree in proceedings in
connection with the custody or guardianship of a child.
There is clearly no merit in the application dated 20th May,
2014 so far as it relates to enforcement of a decree made
H
788 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A by a USA court in proceedings in connection with the
custody or guardianship of a child. I decline to grant it, and
I hereby dismiss it with costs.
13. The Court therefore makes a finding that the judgment from
the Supreme Court of India, being from a superior court of a non-
B reciprocating country, and further being one in proceedings in
connection with the custody or guardianship of a child, is not
registrable in this Court by dint of Sections 13(1) and 3(3)(e) of
the Foreign Judgment (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act.
14. The Applicant has relied on the case of In Re Matter of I W
C P (Infant) [2013] eKLR in support of his case. I have considered
the decision and note that the same is distinguished, in that the
judgment in respect of which registration was sought therein, was
from a Superior Court in the United Kingdom, a reciprocating
country within the meaning of Section 2 of the Act. Notably, the
learned Judge did not address that restriction in Section 3(3)(e)
D on applicability of the act to matters relating guardianship and
custody of children. In any event, the said judgment being of a
Court of concurrent jurisdiction to this Court is not binding on this
Court.
15. In the end and for the reasons stated, I do find that the
E Originating Summons dated 30.10.2020 lacks merit and the same
is hereby dismissed. This being a matter concerning a child, there
shall be no order as to costs.
DATED, SIGNED AND DELIVERED IN NAIROBI THIS
21ST DAY OF MAY 2021.
F ___________
M. THANDE
JUDGE”
30. On 19.08.2021, Mr. Tushar Mehta, learned Solicitor General
G of India appeared and the matter was directed to be taken up on
24.08.2021. Following order was passed by this Court on 24.08.2021:-
“The circumstances in which Miscellaneous Application No.1167/
2021 has been filed in Civil Appeal No.3559/2020, have been
referred to in some detail in the earlier orders passed by this Court
H on 11.08.2021, 16.08.2021 and 17.08.2021.
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 789
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

“Pursuant to the request made by this Court, Mr. Tushar Mehta, A
learned SG has appeared and advanced certain submissions. Mr.
Mukul Rohatgi and Ms. Sonia Mathur, learned Senior Advocates
appearing for the applicant have also invited our attention to
various facts of the matter.
In the light of the submission advanced by the learned counsel, in B
our view, it would be proper if the matter is placed before the
Bench of three judges as the Judgment dated 28.10.2020 and
Order dated 08.12.2020 were passed by the Bench of three judges
of this Court.
We therefore, direct the Registry to place the instant matter before C
the Hon’ble CJI and seek requisite directions to constitute a Bench
of three Judges alongwith Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hemant Gupta
who was a member of the Bench when the Judgment dated
28.10.2020 and Order dated 08.12.2020 were passed.
List the matter at the end of the Board on 27.08.2021.”
D
31. After hearing learned counsel for Smriti and Mr. Anunaya
Mehta who rendered assistance as an Officer of the Court by order
dated 27.08.2021, the matter was directed to be posted for orders by the
present Bench on 2nd September, 2021. However, on 01.09.2021, I.A.
No.108665 of 2021 was filed by Smriti stating as under:-
E
“2. That this Hon’ble Court had vide order dated 17.08.2021
granted the following prayers to the Appellant and against the
Respondent –
“d. Restrain the Respondent-Perry Kansagra from taking
any action, or/and taking any steps, or/and initiating and/or
prosecuting any proceedings or any action of any nature F
before the Courts in Kenya or any other Court which will
create an impediment in the implementation or execution
of order dated 11.08.2021 or any other order or judgment
passed by this Hon’ble Court;
e. Restrain the Respondent-Perry Kansagra from seeking G
any modification of the mirror order dated 11.11.2020 from
the High Court of Kenya, Milimani Law Courts, Family
Division.”
3. That the Appellant received an email dated 31.08.2021 along
with a notice of motion and an affidavit in support of the notice of H
790 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A motion, both dated 26th August, 2021 and an order dated 30th
August, 2021, passed by the High Court of Kenya. The said
documents further establish the contumacious and perjurious
conduct of the Respondent and are being placed before this Hon’ble
Court as Annexure P-1 (Pg.No.5 to 127).”
B 32. On the same day, another application i.e. I.A. No.109369 of
2021 was filed by Smriti stating :-
“3. That the Appellant received an email dated 31.08.2021
alongwith a Petition and an affidavit in support of the Petition,
both dated 26th August, 2021 and an order dated 30th August 2021,
C passed by the High Court of Kenya. The said documents further
establish the contumacious and perjurious conduct of the
Respondent and are being placed before this Hon’ble Court as
Annexure P-2.”
33. From these applications and the documents appended thereto,
D it is evident that:
A. On 26.08.2021, Perry filed Petition No.E 301 of 2021 claiming
inter alia for declaration that the orders passed by this Court were
invalid and incapable of compliance and/ or enforcement and for
permanent injunction barring Smriti from taking Aditya outside the
E jurisdiction of the High Court of Kenya. The relevant portions from the
Petition are:
“4. The Petitioner and the 1st Respondent solemnized their marriage
on 29th July, 2007 at New Delhi, India and following the marriage,
the 1st Respondent moved to Kenya and lived with the Petitioner
F in Nairobi, Kenya. The Minor was born on 2nd December, 2009
from the wedlock of the Petitioner and the 1st Respondent and
the said child has dual Kenyan and British citizenship.
5. The 1st Respondent left Kenya and travelled to India on 10th
March, 2012 along with the Minor under the pretext of going to
G visit her (the 1st Respondent’s) Mother who lives in India and on
arriving and settling in India, the 1st Respondent clandestinely filed
a suit in the High Court at New Delhi, India seeking a permanent
injunction restraining the Petitioner and his Parents from removing
the Minor from the custody of the 1st Respondent or from removing
the Minor from Delhi or accessing him in school.
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 791
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

6. The 1st Respondent unauthorizedly and illegally detained the A
Minor in India for Eight (8) Years and the Petitioner had to go
through a tedious and prolonged litigation with the 1st Respondent
in Indian Courts which litigation culminated in a judgment delivered
on 28th October, 2020 by the Supreme Court of India in SUPREME
COURT CIVIL APPEAL NO.3559 OF 2020 (SMRITI MADAN
B
KANSAGRA VS. PERRY KANSAGRA) pursuant to which the
Petitioner was, inter-alia, granted permanent custody of the Minor.
7. The judgments passed by all the three Indian Courts came to a
conclusive finding that the best interest and welfare of the child is
best secured by granting the Petitioner the custody of the Minor
and the three relevant judgments issued in the proceedings between C
the Petitioner and the 1st Respondent are as follows:-
a) GUARDIANSHIP PETITION NO.53 OF 2012
(PERRY KANSAGRA VS SMRITI MADAN
KANSAGRA) filed in the Family Court South Saket District
Courts, New Delhi where Petition was allowed and Petitioner D
herein declared as guardian of the Minor child are granted
permanent custody of the minor child with the 1st Respondent
being granted visitation rights and temporary custody during
school vacations in summer and winters, each year.
b) Thereafter, the said Order of the Family Court South Saket E
District Courts, New Delhi was challenged by the 1 st
Respondent before the High Court of Delhi vide Case No.
MAT. APP (F.C.) 30/ 2018. The said appeal was dismissed
vide judgment dated 25th February, 2020 and the Petitioner
herein was granted permanent custody. F
c) Thereafter, the said order of the High Court of Delhi was
challenged by the 1st Respondent before Supreme Court of
India vide CIVIL APPEAL NO.3559 OF 2020 (SMRITI
MADAN KANSAGRA VS PERRY KANSAGRA) being an
appeal arising out of a Guardianship Petition filed at the Supreme G
Court of India where custody of the Minor was handed over
to Perry Kansagra (the Petitioner), subject to the Petitioner
meeting certain directions, among them, obtaining a ‘Mirror
Order’ from the High Court in Nairobi, Kenya.
*** *** ***
H
792 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A 12. It is humiliating and degrading to the Minor and a violation
of his rights to have his inherent dignity respected and protected
by forcefully compelling him to take out an Overseas Citizen
of India (OCI) card in the Office of the Indian embassy at
Nairobi without first ascertaining his feelings and wishes, and
without taking into account the fact that he is a dual citizen of
B
the Republic of Kenya and the United Kingdom.
13. The actions, of the 1st Respondent and the orders issued
by the Supreme Court of India on 11th August, 2021 requiring
the Minor to take out an OCI card and board a flight to India is
a clear violation of the rights enshrined under Article 28 of the
C Constitution of Kenya which recognizes the inherent dignity of
the Minor and the right to respect and protect that dignity.
14. No effort has been made by the 1st Respondent and/ or the
Supreme Court of India to ascertain the wishes and feelings of
the Minor, his emotional needs and no effort has been made to
D evaluate whether taking out an OCI card and arranging the
traveling of the Minor to India during the pendency of the
corona-virus pandemic is harmful to his welfare and best
interest.
15. The petitioner alleges that under Article 53 of the
E Constitution of Kenya, the Minor has the right to be protected
from abuse, neglect and inhuman treatment and to a recognition
that the Minor’s best interests are of paramount importance in
every matter concerning the child. The concise allegations and
facts the Petitioner relies upon to describe the manner and
relevant acts of contravention of the said Fundamental Freedom
F under Article 53 of the Constitution of Kenya are:-
(a) The ineffectual and unenforceable Orders issued by
the Supreme Court of India was given without jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court of India could not exercise jurisdiction
over the Kenyan Minor in matters that concerned the
G custody of the Minor who is now a resident and citizen of
Kenyan. The orders did not have regard to the welfare,
ascertainable feelings, wishes and best interest of the Minor
and by compelling the Minor to take out OCI card and travel
to India before ascertaining the emotional needs, feelings
and wishes of the Minor, the Court acted in total disregard
H of what constitutes a child’s best interest.
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 793
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

(b) the Orders issued by the Supreme Court of India do not A
advance the rule of law and the human rights and
fundamental freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. The
orders are incapable of implementation and if implemented,
would have absurd results because the said orders are not
binding based on the following:
B
(i) India has not been declared a reciprocating country
under the provisions of Foreign Judgment (Reciprocal
Enforcement) Act, Chapter 43 of the Laws of Kenya
and as such, the judgment of the Indian Courts cannot
be effectively enforced and/or executed in Kenya.
(ii) Section 3(3) (e) of Foreign Judgment (Reciprocal C
Enforcement) Act, Chapter 43 of the Laws of Kenya
does not recognize a judgment or order in proceedings
connected with the custody or guardianship of children
passed by foreign courts. In the foregoing
circumstances, the Courts in Kenya are not bound by D
the foreign judgment in such a proceedings related with
the custody or guardianship of children.
(iii) There is no valid “Mirror Order” and in the event
the child is sent to India, there is every possibility that
the child may be detained in India by the Indian Courts E
and/or the Mother and the Kenyan Courts who are
lawfully vested with jurisdiction over Kenyan Nationals
and Citizens will lose their jurisdiction over the Minor
and it will become impossible for Kenyan Courts to
protect the rights of the child in such an eventuality.
(c) No regard has been given to the Minor’s physical, F
emotional and educational needs and the Minor is at risk of
suffering harm by being compelled to travel to India during
the existence of the Covid-19 pandemic, thus exposing him
to health hazards.
(d) Kenyan Courts have exclusive territorial and/or G
geographical jurisdiction over children who are Kenyan
Citizens and that jurisdiction cannot be taken away by any
other Court or administrative body.
(e) It is unreasonable and contrary to public interest for
any Court, Diplomatic Mission or administrative body to H
794 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A unilaterally compel a Minor to adopt citizenship or status of
identity that the Minor has not expressed any ascertainable
wish to acquire.
(f) The right of every child to have their best interest
protected and safeguarded is paramount and the orders
B issued by the Supreme Court of India purport to limit and
restrict the enjoyment of the child’s rights guaranteed under
Article 53 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya.
(g) The acts of the 1st Respondent smacks of mala fide
and are calculated to make sure that the Minor is issued
C with an OCI card and travels to India. The 1st Respondent
is not motivated by the best interest of the child and offend
the provisions of Article 53 of the Constitution of Kenya.
16. The Petitioner states that this Honourable Court has
jurisdiction under Article 165(3) (a), (b) (d) and Article 258 of
D the Constitution of Kenya and Section 22(1) of the Children
Act to hear and determine this Petition and make such orders,
issue such writs and give such directions as it may consider
appropriate bearing in mind the best interest of the Minor as
by law required.

E YOUR PETITIONER THEREFORE HUMBLY PRAYS
THAT:-
1. A declaration of invalidity of Indian jurisdiction and/or laws
and/or judgments denying, violating and/or threatening to
infringe the fundamental rights of the Minor through
F purported and unenforceable judgments and orders relating
to the Minor under Articles 23(3) (d) of the Constitution of
Kenya.
2. A declaration that the Minor is a dual citizen of Kenya and
the United Kingdom and a resident of Kenya and that India
has no territorial and/or geographical jurisdiction over
G
personal matters relating to the Minor.
3. A declaration that compelling the Minor to take out Overseas
Citizen of India (OCI) card in the Office of the Indian
Embassy at Nairobi and/or compelling the said Minor to
Board a flight to India during the pendency of the highly
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 795
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

infectious Covid-19 pandemic and against the travel A
restrictions imposed by the Government of the Republic of
Kenya is contrary to Section 13(1) of the Children Act and
is a violation of the fundamental right of the Minor enshrined
under Article 28 and 53 of the Constitution of Kenya.
4. A declaration that there exists no valid “Mirror Orders” to B
the orders issued by the Supreme Court of India on 11th
August, 2021 and in the circumstances, the Orders are
inapplicable to the Minor and incapable of compliance and/
or enforcement.
5. A declaration that under Section 3 (3) (e) of the Foreign C
Judgment (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act, Chapter 43 of the
Laws of Kenya, Kenya lacks jurisdiction to recognize,
enforce or register a foreign judgment in proceedings that
relate to the custody or guardianship of children who are
citizens of the Republic of Kenya.
D
6. A declaration that all the rights of the Minor are governed
exclusively by the Children Act, Chapter 141 of the Laws
of Kenya and that to safeguard and promote the rights and
welfare of the Minor, the 1st Respondent herein or any
other party to these proceedings ought to seek any redress
from Kenyan Courts where the Minor is a citizen and E
currently resident as provided for under Section 118 of the
Children Act.
7. An Order that the Director of Children’s Services do carry
out an in-depth enquiry into the wellbeing, welfare,
ascertainable wishes and feelings of the Minor under Section F
4 (2), 11, 76 (3) of the Children Act and tender a report to
this Honourable Court and provide all necessary assistance
to the judicial process to the intent that orders issued by this
Honourable Court which require administrative
arrangements may achieve fulfilment. G
8. An order directing the Petitioner to allow the 1st Respondent
and the Minor unimpeded telephone access in circumstances
and durations the Court shall deem reasonable and visitation
rights to visit and stay with the Minor within the Republic
of Kenya in circumstances and for a duration the Court
H
796 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A shall deem reasonable provided that the 1st Respondent
shall not remove the Minor from the said Republic of Kenya.
9. A permanent injunction barring the 1st Respondent either
by herself, her Servants and/or Agents from taking the Minor
outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court or any other
B person whosoever from arranging and/or facilitating the
removal of the Minor from Kenya without the express willful
consent of the Minor and the Petitioner. ….”
B. In said Petition No.E 301 of 2021, Notice of Motion was also
moved for interim relief pending hearing and determination of the dispute.
C The relevant portion of the Notice of Motion was:-
“NOTICE OF MOTION
(Under rule 11(1) Part II of the Constitution of Kenya
(Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) Practice
and Procedure Rules, 2013 and all enabling-provisions of
D the law.)
TAKE NOTICE that this Honourable Court shall be moved on
………….the……day of ………2021, by Counsel for the
Petitioner/Applicant for hearing an Application for ORDERS
THAT:
E
1. This application be certified urgent and fit to be heard on priority
basis.
2. Pending the inter-partes hearing and determination of this
application, this Honourable court be pleased to issue a
F conservatory order of status quo.
3. Pending the inter-partes hearing and determination of this
application, this Honourable Court be pleased to grant an order of
temporary injunction restraining and barring the 1st Respondent
either by herself, her Servants and/or Agents or any other person
whosoever from taking the Minor outside the jurisdiction of this
G
Honourable Court and/or arranging and/or facilitating the removal
of the Minor from Kenya without the express consent of the Minor
and the Petitioner.
4. Pending the inter-partes hearing and determination of this
application, this Honourable Court be pleased to issue an order of
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 797
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

temporary injunction restraining and barring the 1st Respondent A
either by herself, her Servants and/or Agents or any other person
whosoever from applying for or obtaining an Overseas Citizenship
of India (OCI) card in the name and/or on behalf of the Minor in
order to facilitate the Minor to board a flight and travel outside the
Republic of Kenya.
B
5. In the exercise of its inherent discretion, and should it finds fit,
this Honourable Court be pleased to call and interact with the
Minor and ascertain his feelings and wishes regarding the 1st
Respondent’s intention of removing him from Kenya and taking
him to India during the pendency of the Covid-19 global pandemic
and if the Court find it necessary, to Commission the relevant C
office in the Department of Children Services to prepare and file
before this Honourable Court a situational report on the
ascertainable feelings and wishes of the Minor and a finding as to
whether the intended travel to India is in the best interest of the
Minor. D
6. An order that service of the Petition and the supporting Affidavit
together with all pleadings and/or process of the Court in this
matter be served upon the 1st Respondent through her last known
email address and by Courier Service to her last known address
in New Delhi, India being care of C-Block 487, Defence Colony, E
New Delhi-110024.
7. The cost of an incidentals to this application abide the results of
the said Appeal.
WHICH APPLICATION is premised inter alia on the following
grounds supported by the affidavit of the Petitioner/Applicant and F
on other grounds to be adduced at the hearing hereof;
a) THAT the Petitioner/Applicant is the biological father and
natural guardian of the Minor and currently lives and takes care
of the Minor at their Nairobi home following a Court Order issued
by the Supreme Court of India in Supreme Court Civil Appeal G
No. 3559 of 2020 (SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA VS. PERRY
KANSAGRA)
b) THAT the Supreme Court of India in Supreme Court Civil
Appeal No.3559 of 2020 (SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA VS.
PERRY KANSAGRA) came to the conclusive finding that the H
798 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A best interest and welfare of the child was best served and secured
by granting the Petitioner permanent custody of the Minor with
the Respondent being granted visitation rights during school
vacations in summer and winters, each year.
c) THAT following the aforesaid Judgment of the Supreme Court
B of India, the Minor has been living with the Petitioner in Nairobi
where he has acclimatized and accustomed to his new home and
school environment and made friends and is scheduled to start
Class VII at Peponi House School in Nairobi in the Month of
September, 2021.
C d) THAT on 28th June, 2021 the minor lost his paternal grandfather
who succumbed to Covid-19 related complications and is still
mourning the said loss as he was very close to his paternal
grandfather. The minor fears the covid-19 pandemic and he
prefers to stay in Nairobi and not travel during the pendency of
the covid-19 pandemic.
D
e) THAT the 1st Respondent sought and on 11th August 2021,
obtained orders from the Supreme Court of India in
MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION NO.1167 OF 2021 IN
CIVIL APPEAL NO. 3559 OF 2020 (SMRITI MADAN
KANSAGRA VS. PERRY KANSAGRA) where the Court issued
E orders compelling the Petitioner to apply in the office of the Indian
Embassy at Nairobi for the Minor to be issued with Overseas
Citizen of India card so as to enable the Minor board a flight and
travel to India notwithstanding that the Government of the Republic
of Kenya has issued travel restrictions through the Kenya Civil
F Aviation suspending all passenger flights between Kenya and India
with effect from Midnight 7th June, 2021 due to the Covid-19
infections.
f) THAT the Minor has declared his ascertainable feelings and
wishes as recorded in a situational report dated 9 th August, 2021
G and prepared by County Coordinator, Nairobi Country Children
Services in the Department of Children Services and from the
contents of the said report, the Minor fears the 1st Respondent
and is not willing to travel to India; he prefers to stay in Kenya
with the Petitioner and fears that the 1st Respondent who is
drunkard, abusive and violent will illegally detain the Minor in India
H like she did previously.
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 799
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

g) THAT the 1st Respondent has moved with speed and booked A
an Air Ticket for the Minor to take the Minor to India via Paris
contrary to the ascertainable feelings and wishes of the Minor
and the interest of justice will best be served by granting a
conservatory order of status quo and pending the hearing and
determination of the annexed Petition.
B
h) THAT the Petitioner/Applicant’s Petition raises substantial and
important constitutional points as well as points of law and touch
on matters of paramount importance to the best interest of the
Minor and which is recognized and guaranteed under Article 53(2)
of the Constitution.
C
i) THAT if a conservatory order and/or a temporary order of
injunction is not granted restraining and barring the 1st Respondent
either by herself, her Servants and/or Agents or any other person
whosoever from removing the Minor from the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court and/or applying for an Overseas Citizenship of
India (OCI) card in the name and/or on behalf of the Minor in D
order to facilitate the Minor to board a flight to India, the best
interest of the Minor will be compromised and his rights and
freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution will be violated and
his health, mental and emotional development of affected.
j) THAT it is in the interest of justice and in the best interest of E
Aditya Vikram Kansagra that the orders sought herein be granted.
Dated at Nairobi this 26th day of August, 2021.”
C. The affidavit of Perry in support of the Notice of Motion stated,
inter alia:- F
“15. THAT I am advised by Mr. Pravin Bowry SC, and which
advice I verily believe to be true that due to the principle of
diplomatic immunity, I cannot file suit and get orders against
Government Officials of the Indian Embassy at Nairobi to restrain
them from issuing the Minor with an Overseas Citizen of India
G
card since they are not subject to the jurisdiction of Kenyan Courts
in the performance of their official duties.
16. THAT I am further advised by my aforesaid Advocate and
which advise I verily believe to be true, that under the provisions
of Section 3 (3) € of the Foreign Judgment (Reciprocal
H
800 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A Enforcement) Act, Chapter 43 of the Laws of Kenya, Courts in
Kenya cannot recognize and/or deal with the orders obtained from
foreign courts in proceedings connected with the custody or
guardianship of children and the Orders obtained by the 1st
Respondent on 11th August, 2021 in the Supreme Court of India
cannot be given recognition and/or enforcement by Kenyan Courts
B
and are thus invalid and need to be declared as such.
17. THAT I am therefore reasonably apprehensive that if this
matter is not certified urgent and admitted to hearing on a priority
basis and a conservatory order of status quo issued, the order
obtained by the 1st Respondent on 11th August, 2021 from the
C Supreme Court of India and which is invalid and incapable of
recognition and/or enforcement by Kenyan Courts will be used to
impede and violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of the
Minor who is a citizen and resident of the Republic of Kenya and
used to unlawfully remove the Minor from the jurisdiction of this
D Honourable Court.”
D. The Situational Report dated 9.8.2021 referred to in Paragraph
7(f) of the Notice of Motion was :-
“MINISTRY OF EAC, LABOUR AND SOCIAL
PROTECTION
E
DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SERVICES
NAIROBI COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES
Telephone (020) 2059212
Email Provincial Headquarter Building
F
Nyayo House
PO Box 58016-0200
Nairobi

G Date: 09/08/2021
David Kiptum & Company Advocates
49, Mageta Road, off Muthangari Road, Lavington
P.O. Box 21863-001100
H Nairobi
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 801
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

SITUATIONAL REPORT ON ADITYA VIKRAM A
KANSAGRA (MINOR)
The minor is 11 years old having been born on 2/12/2009. He is in
year 7 at Pepont School. He was interviewed on 9/8/2021 following
the complaints that were raised by his mother to his father via
email and in an application filed before the Indian Supreme Court. B
The gist of her complaint is that the minor is being alienated from
her, is being controlled and is sad and low.
The minor was interviewed and he indicated to me that he did not
wish to talk to his mother because there was nothing for him to
talk about. It was his claim that each time he talked to her she C
pressured him to leave Kenya and join her in India, something he
does not want. He also said that India reminded him of very bad
memories where his mother was mistreating him. That she used
to shout at him whenever she was drunk something that affected
him emotionally. It was also his claim that his mother did not allow
D
him to play with his friends.
The minor said he preferred talking to his maternal grandmother
whom he said was very kind to him while in India. He felt that his
father was pressuring him to talk to his mother against his wish.
He was very candid that he did not wish to go to India and that he
E
preferred to stay in Kenya with his father.
Considering the ascertainable wish of the minor and the orders
given by the India Court it is my considered opinion that you should
move to the Children Court seeking orders that will give effect to
his wishes. To force him to talk to his mother and to travel to India F
to see her against his wish is likely to visit untold psychological
effect on him. Given the fact that the child is within the jurisdiction
of Kenya, the children court is clothed with the jurisdiction to
issue orders of this nature
Sd/- G
ISADIA HOYD
COUNTY COORDINATOR
NAIROBI COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES”
H
802 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A 34. The documents and the developments referred to hereinabove
show: -
(i) Perry had given an unequivocal undertaking to the High Court
that he would submit to the jurisdiction of the Indian Courts. He had also
given a solemn undertaking to this Court that he would comply with the
B Order dated 28.10.2020 in addition to the Judgment dated 28.10.2020.
(ii) In response to a specific submission raised in Miscellaneous
Application No.2140 of 2020 (quoted in paragraph 16 hereinabove), it
was submitted by Perry that he had subjected himself to the jurisdiction
of this Court. While dealing with the rival submissions in the Order dated
C 8.12.2020, this Court made it clear that the undertaking given by Perry
to the High Court would continue to be operative, in addition to the
undertaking given to this Court.
(iii) The Judgment dated 28.10.2020 had called upon Perry to
obtain a ‘Mirror Order’ from the concerned Court in Nairobi to reflect
D the directions contained in the Judgment dated 28.10.2020. Thereafter,
the Order dated 9.11.2020 passed by the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi
along with the relevant application moved by Perry seeking registration
of the Judgment dated 28.10.2020, was filed in this Court.
(iv) There was a dispute whether the registration granted vide
E order dated 9.11.2020 by the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi amounted
to fulfilling the requirement of a “Mirror Order”. The submissions on the
point were dealt with in paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Order dated 8.12.2020.
The learned counsel appearing for Perry had relied upon the opinion
given by M/s. GMC Advocates which in turn had relied upon the decision
of the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi in Re: Matter of I W P (Infant)
F [2013] eKLR to submit that the registration itself was a “Mirror Order”
in compliance of the requirements of the Judgment dated 28.10.2020.
Relying on the submissions so advanced on behalf of Perry and
in deference to the Order dated 9.11.2020 passed by the High Court of
Kenya at Nairobi, in paragraph 10 of the Order dated 8.12.2020, this
G Court observed that the registration of the Judgment of this Court by the
High Court of Kenya at Nairobi was sufficient compliance of the
directions to obtain a “Mirror Order” issued from a Competent Court in
Kenya.
(v) The Judgment dated 28.10.2020 and the Order dated 8.12.2020
H passed by this Court were thus premised on the submission that the
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 803
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

Order dated 9.11.2020 passed by the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi A
while registering the Judgment dated 28.10.2020 passed by this Court
was in fact the “Mirror Order”.
(vi) It now transpires that by a subsequent Order dated 21.5.2021,
the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi in Paragraph 13 of its order observed
that the judgment of this Court was not registrable and dismissed the B
Originating Summons dated 30.10.2020 filed by Perry.
(vii) At no stage Perry brought this development to the notice of
this Court that the Originating Summons moved by him seeking registration
of the Judgment dated 28.10.2020 passed by this Court was dismissed
by the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi on 21.5.2021. Having submitted C
to the jurisdiction of the Indian Courts it was the bounden duty of Perry
to keep this Court appraised of all the developments particularly when
the “Mirror Order” was the fulcrum on the basis of which this Court
handed over to him the custody of Aditya.
(viii) This infraction gets more pronounced in the light of the
D
stand taken in his Affidavit dated 5.8.2021 filed in this Court and referred
to in Paragraph 22 hereinabove. In that affidavit Perry unequivocally
stated that he had not even the remotest intention to disobey the Order
passed by this Court including the Judgment dated 28.10.2020. Yet,
something as basic and fundamental like the Order dated 21.05.2021
was not brought to the notice of this Court. Logically, Perry should have E
brought back Aditya to this country so that status quo ante could be
restored and appropriate orders could thereafter be passed by this Court.
(ix) Miscellaneous Application No.1167 of 2021 filed by Smriti
had annexed e-mails exchanged between her and Perry and prayed that
Perry be directed to comply with directions regarding vacation access. F
In response, apart from stating that he had no intentions to disobey the
orders passed by this Court, Perry voiced concern about sending Aditya
to India. Being well aware of the conditions in this Country, a solution
was devised by this Court in its Order dated 11.08.2021 and certain
directions to facilitate the entry of Aditya into and his exit from India in
a safe manner were issued. Pertinently on 11.08.2021, the attention of G
this Court was not invited to the fact that the Situational Report dated
09.08.2021 as referred to hereinabove was made or that the matter was
being looked into by the concerned authorities in Kenya.
(X) Despite clear directions issued in the Order dated 11.08.2021
Perry had not taken any steps to comply with the Order. As a matter of H
804 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A fact, by the time the matter was taken up for further hearing on
16.08.2021, Perry sought to withdraw the authorization in favour of the
learned counsel who were all the while representing him before this
Court.
(XI) As disclosed in I.A. 100550 of 2021 week-end Skype meetings
B between Smriti and Aditya were not facilitated from the week-end of
14.08.2021 and 15.08.2021. Perry also blocked all means of
communications with Smriti. Though in law the learned advocates who
had entered appearance on behalf of Perry would continue to represent
him, notice was additionally directed to be served on Perry through Indian
embassy of Nairobi.
C
(XII) In the light of the defiant attitude exhibited by Perry and his
refusal to abide by the Orders passed by this court, ad-interim relief in
terms of prayers (d) (e) and (f) made by Smriti in her I.A. No.100550 of
2021 was granted by this Court vide its order dated 17.08.2021.

D (XIII) Finally, Petition No.E301 of 2021 and – Notice of Motion
were moved on behalf of Perry, filed in the High Court of Kenya at
Nairobi on 26.08.2021. The stand taken by Perry in said Petition and
Notice of Motion is that it would be humiliating to compel Aditya to take
OCI Card; that wishes of Aditya were not ascertained by this Court;
that there was no valid Mirror Order and that the orders passed by this
E Court were without jurisdiction. He has prayed for declaration that there
existed no valid “Mirror Order” and in the circumstances the orders
passed by this Court are incapable of compliance and/or enforcement.
35. These developments not only show the defiant and
contumacious posture now adopted by Perry but prima facie support
F the submissions of Smriti made in Interim Applications referred to in
paragraphs 25, 27, and 28 herein above. There appears to be concrete
material and reason to believe that it was a well-planned conspiracy on
part of Perry to persuade this Court to pass orders in his favour and
allow him the custody of Aditya and then turn around and defy the Orders
G of this Court.
36. It is fundamental that a party approaching the Court must
come with clean hands, more so in child custody matters. Any fraudulent
conduct based on which the custody of a minor is obtained under the
orders of the Court, would negate and nullify the element of trust reposed
by the Court in the concerned person. Wherever the custody of a minor
H
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 805
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

is a matter of dispute between the parents or the concerned parties, the A
primary custody of the minor, in parens patriae jurisdiction, is with the
Court which may then hand over the custody to the person who in the
eyes of the Court, would be the most suitable person. Any action initiated
to obtain such custody from the Court with fraudulent conduct and design
would be a fraud on the process of the Court.
B
37. We may now refer to some of the cases where orders or
decrees from the Court were obtained by a party after practicing fraud
upon the Court.
(a) In S.P. Chengalvaraya Naidu v. Jagannath4 the observations
by this Court were to the following effect: - C
“5. The High Court, in our view, fell into patent error. The short
question before the High Court was whether in the facts and
circumstances of this case, Jagannath obtained the preliminary
decree by playing fraud on the court. The High Court, however,
went haywire and made observations which are wholly perverse.
D
We do not agree with the High Court that “there is no legal duty
cast upon the plaintiff to come to court with a true case and prove
it by true evidence”. The principle of “finality of litigation” cannot
be pressed to the extent of such an absurdity that it becomes an
engine of fraud in the hands of dishonest litigants. The courts of
law are meant for imparting justice between the parties. One who E
comes to the court, must come with clean hands. We are
constrained to say that more often than not, process of the court
is being abused. Property-grabbers, tax-evaders, bank-loan-
dodgers and other unscrupulous persons from all walks of life
find the court-process a convenient lever to retain the illegal gains
indefinitely. We have no hesitation to say that a person, who’s F
case is based on falsehood, has no right to approach the court. He
can be summarily thrown out at any stage of the litigation.
6. The facts of the present case leave no manner of doubt that
Jagannath obtained the preliminary decree by playing fraud on
the court. A fraud is an act of deliberate deception with the design G
of securing something by taking unfair advantage of another. It is
a deception in order to gain by another’s loss. It is a cheating
intended to get an advantage. Jagannath was working as a clerk
with Chunilal Sowcar. He purchased the property in the court
4
(1994) 1 SCC 1 H
806 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A auction on behalf of Chunilal Sowcar. He had, on his own volition,
executed the registered release deed (Ex. B-15) in favour of
Chunilal Sowcar regarding the property in dispute. He knew that
the appellants had paid the total decretal amount to his master
Chunilal Sowcar. Without disclosing all these facts, he filed the
suit for the partition of the property on the ground that he had
B
purchased the property on his own behalf and not on behalf of
Chunilal Sowcar. Non-production and even non-mentioning of the
release deed at the trial is tantamount to playing fraud on the
court. We do not agree with the observations of the High Court
that the appellants-defendants could have easily produced the
C certified registered copy of Ex. B-15 and non-suited the plaintiff.
A litigant, who approaches the court, is bound to produce all the
documents executed by him which are relevant to the litigation. If
he withholds a vital document in order to gain advantage on the
other side then he would be guilty of playing fraud on the court as
well as on the opposite party.”
D
(b) In Indian Bank v. Satyam Fibres (India) (P) Ltd.5 the
principles were stated thus: -
“21. In Smith v. East Elloe Rural Distt. Council6 the House of
Lords held that the effect of fraud would normally be to vitiate
E any act or order. In another case, Lazarus Estates
Ltd. v. Beasley7, Denning, L.J. said:
‘No judgment of a court, no order of a Minister, can be allowed
to stand if it has been obtained by fraud. Fraud unravels
everything.’
F 22. The judiciary in India also possesses inherent power, specially
under Section 151 CPC, to recall its judgment or order if it is
obtained by fraud on court. In the case of fraud on a party to the
suit or proceedings, the court may direct the affected party to file
a separate suit for setting aside the decree obtained by fraud.
Inherent powers are powers which are resident in all courts,
G especially of superior jurisdiction. These powers spring not from
legislation but from the nature and the constitution of the tribunals
or courts themselves so as to enable them to maintain their dignity,
5
(1996) 5 SCC 550
6
[1956 AC 736 : (1956) 1 All ER 855 : (1956) 2 WLR 888]
7
H [(1956) 1 QB 702 : (1956) 1 All ER 341 : (1956) 2 WLR 502] (QB at p. 712)
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 807
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

secure obedience to its process and rules, protect its officers from A
indignity and wrong and to punish unseemly behaviour. This power
is necessary for the orderly administration of the court’s business.
23. Since fraud affects the solemnity, regularity and orderliness
of the proceedings of the court and also amounts to an abuse of
the process of court, the courts have been held to have inherent B
power to set aside an order obtained by fraud practised upon that
court. Similarly, where the court is misled by a party or the court
itself commits a mistake which prejudices a party, the court has
the inherent power to recall its order. (See: Benoy Krishna
Mukerjee v. Mohanlal Goenka8 ; Gajanand Sha v. Dayanand
Thakur9 ; Krishnakumar v. Jawand Singh 10 ; Devendra Nath C
Sarkar v. Ram Rachpal Singh 11 ; Saiyed Mohd. Raza v. Ram
Saroop 12; Bankey Behari Lal v. Abdul Rahman 13; Lekshmi
Amma Chacki Amma v. Mammen Mammen14, The court has also
the inherent power to set aside a sale brought about by fraud
practised upon the court (Ishwar Mahton v. Sitaram Kumar15 D
or to set aside the order recording compromise obtained by fraud.
(Bindeshwari Pd. Chaudhary v. Debendra Pd. Singh16; Tara
Bai v. V.S. Krishnaswamy Rao17"
(C) In United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Rajendra Singh18
this Court observed: - E
“16. Therefore, we have no doubt that the remedy to move for
recalling the order on the basis of the newly-discovered facts
amounting to fraud of high degree, cannot be foreclosed in such a
situation. No court or tribunal can be regarded as powerless to
recall its own order if it is convinced that the order was wangled
F
through fraud or misrepresentation of such a dimension as would
affect the very basis of the claim.
8
[AIR 1950 Cal 287]
9
[AIR 1943 Pat 127 : ILR 21 Pat 838]
10
[AIR 1947 Nag 236 : ILR 1947 Nag 190]
11
[ILR (1926) 1 Luck 341 : AIR 1926 Oudh 315] G
12
[ILR (1929) 4 Luck 562 : AIR 1929 Oudh 385 (FB)]
13
[ILR (1932) 7 Luck 350 : AIR 1932 Oudh 63]
14
[1955 Ker LT 459] .
15
[AIR 1954 Pat 450]
16
[AIR 1958 Pat 618 : 1958 BLJR 651]
17
[AIR 1985 Kant 270 : ILR 1985 Kant 2930]
18
(2000) 3 SCC 581 H
808 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A (D) In Ram Chandra Singh v. Savitri Devi19 the discussion on
the point was as under:-
“18. A fraudulent misrepresentation is called deceit and consists
in leading a man into damage by wilfully or recklessly causing him
to believe and act on falsehood. It is a fraud in law if a party
B makes representations which he knows to be false, and injury
ensues therefrom although the motive from which the
representations proceeded may not have been bad.
18. A fraudulent misrepresentation is called deceit and consists
in leading a man into damage by wilfully or recklessly causing him
C to believe and act on falsehood. It is a fraud in law if a party
makes representations which he knows to be false, and injury
ensues therefrom although the motive from which the
representations proceeded may not have been bad.”
(E) In Hamza Haji v. State of Kerala20 the matter in issue was
D discussed thus: -
“10. It is true, as observed by De Grey, C.J., in R. v. Duchess
of Kingston21 that:
“ ‘Fraud’ is an extrinsic, collateral act, which vitiates the most
solemn proceedings of courts of justice. Lord Coke says it
E avoids all judicial acts, ecclesiastical and temporal.”
11. In Kerr on Fraud and Mistake, it is stated that:
“In applying this rule, it matters not whether the judgment
impugned has been pronounced by an inferior or by the highest
court of judicature in the realm, but in all cases alike it is
F
competent for every court, whether superior or inferior, to treat
as a nullity any judgment which can be clearly shown to have
been obtained by manifest fraud.”
12. It is also clear as indicated in Kinch v. Walcott22 that it would
be in the power of a party to a decree vitiated by fraud to apply
G directly to the court which pronounced it to vacate it. According
to Kerr:
19
(2003) 8 SCC 319
20
(2006) 7 SCC 416
21
[2 Smith LC 687]
22
H [1929 AC 482 : 1929 All ER Rep 720 : 141 LT 102 (PC)]
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 809
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

“In order to sustain an action to impeach a judgment, actual A
fraud must be shown; mere constructive fraud is not, at all
events after long delay, sufficient … but such a judgment will
not be set aside upon mere proof that the judgment was obtained
by perjury.”
(See 7th Edn., pp. 416-17) B
13. In Corpus Juris Secundum, Vol. 49, para 265, it is
acknowledged that:
“Courts of record or of general jurisdiction have inherent power
to vacate or set aside their own judgments.”
C
In para 269, it is further stated:
“Fraud or collusion in obtaining judgment is a sufficient
ground for opening or vacating it, even after the term at
which it was rendered, provided the fraud was extrinsic
and collateral to the matter tried and not a matter actually D
or potentially in issue in the action.”
It is also stated:
“Fraud practised on the court is always ground for vacating
the judgment, as where the court is deceived or misled as
to material circumstances, or its process is abused, resulting E
in the rendition of a judgment which would not have been
given if the whole conduct of the case had been fair.”
14. In American Jurisprudence, 2nd Edn., Vol. 46, para 825, it
is stated:
“Indeed, the connection of fraud with a judgment constitutes F
one of the chief causes for interference by a court of equity
with the operation of a judgment. The power of courts of equity
in granting such relief is inherent, and frequent applications for
equitable relief against judgments on this ground were made in
equity before the practice of awarding new trials was introduced G
into the courts of common law.
Where fraud is involved, it has been held, in some cases, that a
remedy at law by appeal, error, or certiorari does not preclude
relief in equity from the judgment. Nor, it has been said, is
there any reason why a judgment obtained by fraud cannot be
H
810 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A the subject of a direct attack by an action in equity even though
the judgment has been satisfied.”
15. The law in India is not different. Section 44 of the Evidence
Act enables a party otherwise bound by a previous adjudication
to show that it was not final or binding because it is vitiated by
B fraud. The provision therefore gives jurisdiction and authority to a
court to consider and decide the question whether a prior
adjudication is vitiated by fraud. In Paranjpe v. Kanade23 it was
held that: (ILR p. 148)
“It is always competent to any court to vacate any judgment
or order, if it be proved that such judgment or order was
C
obtained by manifest fraud;”
16. In Lakshmi Charan Saha v. Nur Ali24 it was held that: (ILR
p. 936)
“[T]he jurisdiction of the Court in trying a suit [questioning the
earlier decision as being vitiated by fraud,] was not limited to
D
an investigation merely as to whether the plaintiff was
prevented from placing his case properly at the prior trial by
the fraud of the defendant. The Court could and must rip up
the whole matter for determining whether there had been fraud
in the procurement of the decree.”
E 17. In Manindra Nath Mittra v. Hari Mondal 25 the Court
explained the elements to be proved before a plea of a prior
decision being vitiated by fraud could be upheld. The Court said:
(AIR p. 127)
“With respect to the question as to what constitutes fraud for
F which a decree can be set aside, two propositions appear to be
well established. The first is that although it is not permitted to
show that the Court (in the former suit) was mistaken, it may
be shown that it was misled, in other words, where the Court
has been intentionally misled by the fraud of a party and a
G fraud has been committed upon the Court with the intention to
procure its judgment, it will vitiate its judgment. The second is
that a decree cannot be set aside merely on the ground that it
has been procured by perjured evidence:”
23
[ILR (1882) 6 Bom 148]
24
[ILR (1911) 38 Cal 936 : 15 CWN 1010]
H 25
[(1919) 24 CWN 133 : AIR 1920 Cal 126]
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 811
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

18. The position was reiterated by the same High Court in Esmile A
Uddin Biswas v. Shajoran Nessa Bewa26 . It was held that: (AIR
p. 650)
“[I]t must be shown that the fraud was practised in relation to
the proceedings in Court and the decree must be shown to
have been procured by practising fraud of some sort, upon the B
Court:”
19. In Nemchand Tantia v. Kishinchand Chellaram (India)
Ltd.27 it was held that: (CWN p. 740)
“A decree can be reopened by a new action when the court
passing it had been misled by fraud, but it cannot be reopened C
when the court is simply mistaken; when the decree was passed
by relying on perjured evidence, it cannot be said that the court
was misled.”
20. It is not necessary to multiply authorities on this question
since the matter has come up for consideration before this Court D
on earlier occasions. In S.P. Chengalvaraya Naidu v.
Jagannath28 this Court stated that: (SCC p. 2, para 1)
“It is the settled proposition of law that a judgment or decree
obtained by playing fraud on the court is a nullity and non est in
the eye of the law. Such a judgment/decree—by the first court E
or by the highest court—has to be treated as a nullity by every
court, whether superior or inferior. It can be challenged in any
court even in collateral proceedings.”
The Court went on to observe that the High Court in that case
was totally in error when it stated that there was no legal duty F
cast upon the plaintiff to come to the court with a true case and
prove it by true evidence. Their Lordships stated: (SCC p. 5, para
5)
“The courts of law are meant for imparting justice between
the parties. One who comes to the court, must come with clean G
hands. We are constrained to say that more often than not,
process of the court is being abused. Property-grabbers, tax-

26
[132 IC 897 : AIR 1931 Cal 649 (2)]
27
[(1959) 63 CWN 740 : AIR 1959 Cal 776]
28
[(1994) 1 SCC 1 : 1993 Supp (3) SCR 422] H
812 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A evaders, bank loan-dodgers and other unscrupulous persons
from all walks of life find the court process a convenient lever
to retain the illegal gains indefinitely. We have no hesitation to
say that a person, whose case is based on falsehood, has no
right to approach the court. He can be summarily thrown out
at any stage of the litigation.”
B
21. In Ram Preeti Yadav v. U.P. Board of High School and
Intermediate Education29 this Court after quoting the relevant
passage from Lazarus Estates Ltd. v. Beasley 30 and after
referring to S.P. Chengalvaraya Naidu v. Jagannath 31
reiterated that fraud avoids all judicial acts. In State of A.P. v. T.
C Suryachandra Rao32 of this Court after referring to the earlier
decisions held that suppression of a material document could also
amount to a fraud on the Court. It also quoted (at SCC p. 155,
para 16) the observations of Lord Denning in Lazarus Estates
Ltd. v. Beasley33 that: (All ER p. 345 C)
D “No judgment of a court, no order of a Minister, can be allowed
to stand if it has been obtained by fraud. Fraud unravels
everything.”
22. According to Story’s Equity Jurisprudence, 14th Edn., Vol.
1, para 263:
E
“Fraud indeed, in the sense of a Court of Equity, properly
includes all acts, omissions, and concealments which involve a
breach of legal or equitable duty, trust, or confidence, justly
reposed, and are injurious to another, or by which an undue
and unconscientious advantage is taken of another.”
F
23. In Patch v. Ward 34 Sir John Rolt, L.J. held that:
“Fraud must be actual positive fraud, a meditated and intentional
contrivance to keep the parties and the court in ignorance of
the real facts of the case, and obtaining that decree by that
contrivance.”
G
29
[(2003) 8 SCC 311 : 2003 Supp (3) SCR 352]
30
[(1956) 1 All ER 341 : (1956) 2 WLR 502 : (1956) 1 QB 702 (CA)]
31
[(1994) 1 SCC 1 : 1993 Supp (3) SCR 422]
32
[(2005) 6 SCC 149]
33
[(1956) 1 All ER 341 : (1956) 2 WLR 502 : (1956) 1 QB 702 (CA)]
34
H [(1867) 3 Ch App 203 : 18 LT 134]
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 813
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

24. This Court in Bhaurao Dagdu Paralkar v. State of A
Maharashtra35 held that: (SCC p. 607)
“Suppression of a material document would also amount to a
fraud on the court. Although, negligence is not fraud but it can
be evidence on fraud.”
25. Thus, it appears to be clear that if the earlier order from the B
Forest Tribunal has been obtained by the appellant on perjured
evidence, that by itself would not enable the Court in exercise of
its power of certiorari or of review or under Article 215 of the
Constitution of India, to set at naught the earlier order. But if the
court finds that the appellant had founded his case before the C
Forest Tribunal on a false plea or on a claim which he knew to be
false and suppressed documents or transactions which had
relevance in deciding his claim, the same would amount to fraud.
In this case, the appellant had purchased an extent of about 55
acres in the year 1968 under Document No. 2685 of 1968 dated
2-6-1968. He had, even according to his evidence before the D
Forest Tribunal, gifted 5 acres of land to his brother under a deed
dated 30-1-1969. In addition, according to the State, he had sold,
out of the extent of 55.25 acres, an extent of 49.93 acres by
various sale deeds during the years 1971 and 1972. Though, the
details of the sale deeds like the numbers of the registered E
documents, the dates of sale, the names of the transferees, the
extents involved and the considerations received were set out by
the State in its application for review before the High Court, except
for a general denial, the appellant could not and did not specifically
deny the transactions. Same is the case in this Court, where in the
counter-affidavit, the details of these transactions have been set F
out by the State and in the rejoinder filed by the appellant, there is
no specific denial of these transactions or of the extents involved
in those transactions. Therefore, it stands established without an
iota of doubt as found by the High Court, that the appellant
suppressed the fact that he had parted with almost the entire G
property purchased by him under the registered document through
which he claimed title to the petition schedule property before the
Forest Tribunal. In other words, when he claimed that he had title
to 20 acres of land and the same had not vested in the State and
35
[(2005) 7 SCC 605] H
814 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A in the alternative, he bona fide intended to cultivate the land and
was cultivating that land, as a matter of fact, he did not have
either title or possession over that land. The Tribunal had found
that the land was a private forest and hence has vested under the
Act. The Tribunal had granted relief to the appellant only based
on Section 3(3) of the Act, which provided that so much extent of
B
private forest held by an owner under a valid registered document
of title executed before the appointed day and intended for
cultivation by him and that does not exceed the extent of the ceiling
area applicable to him under Section 82 of the Kerala Land
Reforms Act, could be exempted. Therefore, unless the appellant
C had title to the application schedule land and proved that he intended
to cultivate that land himself, he would not have been entitled to
an order under Section 3(3) of the Act. It is obvious that when he
made the claim, the appellant neither had title nor possession over
the land. There could not have been any intention on his part to
cultivate the land with which he had already parted and of which
D he had no right to possession. Therefore, the appellant played a
fraud on the Court by holding out that he was the title-holder of
the application schedule property and he intended to cultivate the
same, while procuring the order for exclusion of the application
schedule lands. It was not a case of mere perjured evidence. It
E was suppression of the most vital fact and the founding of a claim
on a non-existent fact. It was done knowingly and deliberately,
with the intention to deceive. Therefore, the finding of the High
Court in the judgment under appeal that the appellant had procured
the earlier order from the Forest Tribunal by playing a fraud on it,
stands clearly established. It was not a case of the appellant merely
F putting forward a false claim or obtaining a judgment based on
perjured evidence. This was a case where on a fundamental fact
of entitlement to relief, he had deliberately misled the Court by
suppressing vital information and putting forward a false claim,
false to his knowledge, and a claim which he knew had no basis
G either in fact or on law. It is therefore clear that the order of the
Forest Tribunal was procured by the appellant by playing a fraud
and the said order is vitiated by fraud. The fact that the High
Court on the earlier occasion declined to interfere either on the
ground of delay in approaching it or on the ground that a second
review was not maintainable, cannot deter a Court moved in that
H behalf from declaring the earlier order as vitiated by fraud.
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 815
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

26. The High Court, as a court of record, has exercised its A
jurisdiction to set at naught the order of the Forest Tribunal thus
procured by the appellant by finding that the same is vitiated by
fraud. There cannot be any doubt that the Court in exercise of its
jurisdiction under Article 215 of the Constitution of India has the
power to undo a decision that has been obtained by playing a
B
fraud on the Court. The appellant has invoked our jurisdiction
under Article 136 of the Constitution of India. When we find in
agreement with the High Court that the order secured by him is
vitiated by fraud, it is obvious that this Court should decline to
come to his aid by refusing the exercise of its discretionary
jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution of India. We do C
not think that it is necessary to refer to any authority in support of
this position except to notice the decision in Ashok Nagar Welfare
Assn. v. R.K. Sharma [(2002) 1 SCC 749 : 2001 Supp (5) SCR
662] .”
(F) In K.D. Sharma v. SAIL36 the matter in issue was dealt with D
as under:-
“26. It is well settled that “fraud avoids all judicial acts,
ecclesiastical or temporal” proclaimed Chief Justice Edward Coke
of England about three centuries before. Reference was made
by the counsel to a leading decision of this Court in S.P. E
Chengalvaraya Naidu v. Jagannath 37 wherein quoting the
above observations, this Court held that a judgment/decree obtained
by fraud has to be treated as a nullity by every court.
27. Reference was also made to a recent decision of this Court
in A.V. Papayya Sastry v. Govt. of A.P.38 Considering English F
and Indian cases, one of us (C.K. Thakker, J.) stated: (SCC p.
231, para 22)
“22. It is thus settled proposition of law that a judgment, decree
or order obtained by playing fraud on the court, tribunal or
authority is a nullity and non est in the eye of the law. Such a G
judgment, decree or order—by the first court or by the final
court—has to be treated as nullity by every court, superior or
36
(2008) 12 SCC 481
37
[(1994) 1 SCC 1]
38
[(2007) 4 SCC 221] H
816 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A inferior. It can be challenged in any court, at any time, in appeal,
revision, writ or even in collateral proceedings.”
The Court defined “fraud” as an act of deliberate deception with
the design of securing something by taking unfair advantage of
another. In fraud one gains at the loss and cost of another. Even
B the most solemn proceedings stand vitiated if they are actuated
by fraud. Fraud is thus an extrinsic collateral act which vitiates all
judicial acts, whether in rem or in personam.
….. ….. …..
39. If the primary object as highlighted in Kensington Income
C Tax Commrs39. is kept in mind, an applicant who does not come
with candid facts and “clean breast” cannot hold a writ of the
court with “soiled hands”. Suppression or concealment of material
facts is not an advocacy. It is a jugglery, manipulation, manoeuvring
or misrepresentation, which has no place in equitable and
prerogative jurisdiction. If the applicant does not disclose all the
D material facts fairly and truly but states them in a distorted manner
and misleads the court, the court has inherent power in order to
protect itself and to prevent an abuse of its process to discharge
the rule nisi and refuse to proceed further with the examination of
the case on merits. If the court does not reject the petition on that
E ground, the court would be failing in its duty. In fact, such an
applicant requires to be dealt with for contempt of court for abusing
the process of the court.”
(G) In Meghmala v. G. Narasimha Reddy40 this Court observed:-
“28. It is settled proposition of law that where an applicant gets
F an order/office by making misrepresentation or playing fraud upon
the competent authority, such order cannot be sustained in the
eye of the law. “Fraud avoids all judicial acts, ecclesiastical or
temporal.” (Vide S.P. Chengalvaraya Naidu v. Jagannath41.
In Lazarus Estates Ltd. v. Beasley42 the Court observed without
G equivocation that: (QB p. 712) “No judgment of a court, no order
of a Minister, can be allowed to stand if it has been obtained by
fraud. Fraud unravels everything.”
39
[(1917) 1 KB 486 : 86 LJKB 257 : 116 LT 136 (CA)]
40
(2010) 8 SCC 383
41
[(1994) 1 SCC 1 : AIR 1994 SC 853]
H 42
[(1956) 1 QB 702 : (1956) 2 WLR 502 : (1956) 1 All ER 341 (CA)]
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 817
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

29. In A.P. State Financial Corpn. v. GAR Re-Rolling Mills43 A
and State of Maharashtra v. Prabhu44 this Court observed that
a writ court, while exercising its equitable jurisdiction, should not
act as to prevent perpetration of a legal fraud as the courts are
obliged to do justice by promotion of good faith. “Equity is always
known to defend the law from crafty evasions and new subtleties
B
invented to evade law.”
30. In Shrisht Dhawan v. Shaw Bros45. it has been held as under:
(SCC p. 553, para 20)
“20. Fraud and collusion vitiate even the most solemn
proceedings in any civilised system of jurisprudence. It is a C
concept descriptive of human conduct.”
31. In United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Rajendra Singh 46
this Court observed that “Fraud and justice never dwell together”
(fraus et jus nunquam cohabitant) and it is a pristine maxim
which has never lost its temper over all these centuries.
D
32. The ratio laid down by this Court in various cases is that
dishonesty should not be permitted to bear the fruit and benefit to
the persons who played fraud or made misrepresentation and in
such circumstances the Court should not perpetuate the fraud.
(See Vizianagaram Social Welfare Residential School
Society v. M. Tripura Sundari Devi 47, Union of India v. M. E
Bhaskaran 48, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan v. Girdharilal
Yadav 49, State of Maharashtra v. Ravi Prakash Babulalsing
Parmar 50, Himadri Chemicals Industries Ltd. v. Coal Tar
Refining Co.51 and Mohd. Ibrahim v. State of Bihar52.
33. Fraud is an intrinsic, collateral act, and fraud of an egregious F
nature would vitiate the most solemn proceedings of courts of
justice. Fraud is an act of deliberate deception with a design to
43
[(1994) 2 SCC 647 : AIR 1994 SC 2151]
44
[(1994) 2 SCC 481 : 1994 SCC (L&S) 676 : (1994) 27 ATC 116]
45
[(1992) 1 SCC 534 : AIR 1992 SC 1555] G
46
[(2000) 3 SCC 581 : 2000 SCC (Cri) 726 : AIR 2000 SC 1165]
47
[(1990) 3 SCC 655 : 1990 SCC (L&S) 520 : (1990) 14 ATC 766]
48
[1995 Supp (4) SCC 100 : 1996 SCC (L&S) 162 : (1996) 32 ATC 94]
49
[(2004) 6 SCC 325 : 2005 SCC (L&S) 785]
50
[(2007) 1 SCC 80 : (2007) 1 SCC (L&S) 5]
51
[(2007) 8 SCC 110 : AIR 2007 SC 2798]
52
[(2009) 8 SCC 751 : (2009) 3 SCC (Cri) 929] H
818 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A secure something, which is otherwise not due. The expression
“fraud” involves two elements, deceit and injury to the person
deceived. It is a cheating intended to get an advantage. [Vide Vimla
(Dr.) v. Delhi Admn.53, Indian Bank v. Satyam Fibres (India)
(P) Ltd. 54 , State of A.P. v. T. Suryachandra Rao 55 , K.D.
Sharma v. SAIL 56 and Central Bank of India v. Madhulika
B
Guruprasad Dahir 57.
34. An act of fraud on court is always viewed seriously. A collusion
or conspiracy with a view to deprive the rights of the others in
relation to a property would render the transaction void ab initio.
Fraud and deception are synonymous. Although in a given case a
C deception may not amount to fraud, fraud is anathema to all
equitable principles and any affair tainted with fraud cannot be
perpetuated or saved by the application of any equitable doctrine
including res judicata. Fraud is proved when it is shown that a
false representation has been made (i) knowingly, or (ii) without
D belief in its truth, or (iii) recklessly, careless whether it be true or
false. Suppression of a material document would also amount to a
fraud on the court. (Vide S.P. Chengalvaraya
Naidu 58 , Gowrishankar v. Joshi Amba Shankar Family
Trust 59 , Ram Chandra Singh v. Savitri Devi 60 , Roshan
Deen v. Preeti Lal61, Ram Preeti Yadav v. U.P. Board of High
E School & Intermediate Education 62 and Ashok Leyland
Ltd. v. State of T.N.63
35. In Kinch v. Walcott64 it has been held that:
“… mere constructive fraud is not, at all events after long
delay, sufficient but such a judgment will not be set aside upon
F mere proof that the judgment was obtained by perjury”.
53
[AIR 1963 SC 1572 : (1963) 2 Cri LJ 434]
54
[(1996) 5 SCC 550]
55
[(2005) 6 SCC 149 : AIR 2005 SC 3110]
56
[(2008) 12 SCC 481]
57
G [(2008) 13 SCC 170 : (2009) 1 SCC (L&S) 272]
58
[(1994) 1 SCC 1 : AIR 1994 SC 853]
59
[(1996) 3 SCC 310 : AIR 1996 SC 2202]
60
[(2003) 8 SCC 319]
61
[(2002) 1 SCC 100 : 2002 SCC (L&S) 97 : AIR 2002 SC 33]
62
[(2003) 8 SCC 311 : AIR 2003 SC 4268]
63
[(2004) 3 SCC 1 : AIR 2004 SC 2836] )
64
H [1929 AC 482 : 1929 All ER Rep 720 (PC)]
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 819
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

Thus, detection/discovery of constructive fraud at a much A
belated stage may not be sufficient to set aside the judgment
procured by perjury.”
36. From the above, it is evident that even in judicial proceedings,
once a fraud is proved, all advantages gained by playing fraud
can be taken away. In such an eventuality the questions of non- B
executing of the statutory remedies or statutory bars like doctrine
of res judicata are not attracted. Suppression of any material fact/
document amounts to a fraud on the court. Every court has an
inherent power to recall its own order obtained by fraud as the
order so obtained is non est.”
C
(H) In Badami v. Bhali65 a discussion was as under: -
“29. Presently, we shall refer as to how this Court has dealt with
concept of fraud. In S.B. Noronah v. Prem Kumari Khanna66
while dealing with the concept of estoppel and fraud a two-Judge
Bench has stated that: (SCC p. 58, para 20) D
“20. It is an old maxim that estoppels are odious, although
considerable inroad into this maxim has been made by modern
law. Even so, ‘a judgment obtained by fraud or collusion, even,
it seems, a judgment of the House of Lords, may be treated as
a nullity’. (See Halsbury’s Laws of England, Vol. 16, 4th Edn., E
para 1553.) The point is that the sanction granted under Section
21, if it has been procured by fraud or collusion, cannot withstand
invalidity because, otherwise, high public policy will be given
as hostage to successful collusion.”
30. In S.P. Chengalvaraya Naidu v. Jagannath67 this Court F
commenced the verdict with the following words: (SCC p. 2, para
1)
“1. ‘Fraud avoids all judicial acts, ecclesiastical or temporal’
observed Chief Justice Edward Coke of England about three
centuries ago. It is the settled proposition of law that a judgment G
or decree obtained by playing fraud on the court is a nullity and
non est in the eye of the law. Such a judgment/decree—by the
65
(2012) 11 SCC 574
66
[(1980) 1 SCC 52 : AIR 1980 SC 193]
67
[(1994) 1 SCC 1] H
820 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A first court or by the highest court—has to be treated as a nullity
by every court, whether superior or inferior. It can be challenged
in any court even in collateral proceedings.”
In the said case it was clearly stated that the courts of law are
meant for imparting justice between the parties and one who
B comes to the court, must come with clean hands.”
….. ….. …..
32. In Shrisht Dhawan v. Shaw Bros.68 it has been opined that
the fraud and collusion vitiate even the most solemn proceedings
in any civilised system of jurisprudence. It has been defined as an
C act of trickery or deceit. The aforesaid principle has been reiterated
in Roshan Deen v. Preeti Lal69, Ram Preeti Yadav v. U.P. Board
of High School and Intermediate Education 70 and Ram
Chandra Singh v. Savitri Devi 71.
33. In State of A.P. v. T. Suryachandra Rao72 after referring to
D the earlier decision this Court observed as follows: (SCC p. 155,
para 16)
“16. In Lazarus Estates Ltd. v. Beasley 73 Lord Denning
observed at QB p. 712:

E ‘… No judgment of a court, no order of a minister, can be
allowed to stand if it has been obtained by fraud. Fraud unravels
everything.’
In the same judgment Lord Parker, L.J. observed that fraud
‘vitiates all transactions known to the law of however high a
F degree of solemnity’ (Lazarus case74, QB p. 722).”
34. Yet in another decision Hamza Haji v. State of Kerala75 it
has been held that no court will allow itself to be used as an
instrument of fraud and no court, by way of rule of evidence and
68
[(1992) 1 SCC 534 : AIR 1992 SC 1555]
G 69
[(2002) 1 SCC 100 : 2002 SCC (L&S) 97 : AIR 2002 SC 33]
70
[(2003) 8 SCC 311]
71
[(2003) 8 SCC 319]
72
[(2005) 6 SCC 149]
73
[(1956) 1 QB 702 : (1956) 2 WLR 502 : (1956) 1 All ER 341]
74
[(1956) 1 QB 702 : (1956) 2 WLR 502 : (1956) 1 All ER 341]
75
H [(2006) 7 SCC 416 : AIR 2006 SC 3028]
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 821
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

procedure, can allow its eyes to be closed to the fact it is being A
used as an instrument of fraud. The basic principle is that a party
who secures the judgment by taking recourse to fraud should not
be enabled to enjoy the fruits thereof.
….. ….. …..
38. All these reasonings are absolutely non-plausible and common B
sense does not even remotely give consent to them. It is fraudulent
all the way. The whole thing was buttressed on the edifice of
fraud and it needs no special emphasis to state that what is
pyramided on fraud is bound to decay. In this regard we may
profitably quote a statement by a great thinker: C
“Fraud generally lights a candle for justice to get a look at it;
and rogue’s pen indicts the warrant for his own arrest.” “
38. We heard the learned Solicitor General, the learned Senior
Counsel for Smriti and Mr. Anunaya Mehta (who had earlier represented
Perry) as an Officer of the Court. D
(A) The learned Solicitor General submitted that as the order of
custody was obtained by Perry by practising fraud upon the Court, not
only the Judgment dated 28.10.2010 and the Order dated 08.12.2020 be
recalled but the Guardianship Proceeding initiated by Perry be also
dismissed. It is submitted that the conduct exhibited by Perry would call E
for initiation of proceeding in contempt and an appropriate notice be
issued to him. It was further submitted that the custody of Aditya so
obtained by Perry and continues to be illegal and invalid. In his submission,
now that Aditya is in Kenya, certain proceedings might have to be initiated
by Smriti in Kenya apart from defending the proceeding initiated by F
Perry in Kenya. He submitted that the Indian High Commission in Kenya
would provide all logistical support to Smriti in such action(s) to be initiated
or defended by her.
(B) Mr. Amarjit Singh Chandhiok and Ms. Sonia Mathur, learned
Senior Advocates appearing for Smriti supported the submissions of the
G
learned Solicitor General that the Judgment dated 28.10.2010 and Order
dated 08.12.2020 passed by this Court be recalled and proceeding in
Contempt jurisdiction be initiated. They further submitted that since the
custody of Aditya was obtained in a fraudulent manner, Central Bureau
of Investigation be directed to register a crime against Perry for having
committed criminal offences punishable under Sections 361, 362 and H
822 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A 363 of the IPC76. It was also submitted that the learned Solicitor General
be asked to make appropriate request to the Attorney General for Kenya
so that the process would be expedited and Aditya would be brought
back as early as possible.
(C) Mr. Anunaya Mehta, learned Advocate fairly accepted that
B the conduct of Perry was indefensible and supported the course of action
suggested by the learned Solicitor General.
39. Though, at every juncture solemn undertakings were given by
Perry to the High Court and this Court, such undertakings were not only
flagrantly violated but a stand is now taken challenging the very jurisdiction
C of the Indian Courts, despite having submitted himself to the jurisdiction
of the Indian Courts. Such conduct, prime facie, can certainly be said
to be contumacious calling for an action in contempt jurisdiction. Moreover,
the non-disclosure of material facts by Perry at the relevant junctures
also shows that he approached the Indian Courts with unclean hands.

D 40. It was only on the basis of the solemn undertakings given by
Perry and the order dated 09.11.2020 passed by the High Court of Kenya
at Nairobi which was projected to be a “Mirror Order” in compliance of
the directions issued by this Court, that the custody of Aditya was directed
to be handed over to Perry. Since the false and fraudulent representations
made by Perry were the foundation, on the basis of which this Court
E was persuaded to handover custody of Aditya to him, it shall be the duty
of this Court to nullify, in every way, the effect and impact of the orders
which were obtained by playing fraud upon the Court. All the decisions
referred to hereinabove point in that direction. This Court would therefore
be well within its power and justified to recall all the orders and continue
F to assume jurisdiction to ensure that the situation as it prevailed prior to
the passing of the orders by the Trial Court, the High Court and this
Court, gets restored, whereafter appropriate decision can be taken in
parens patriae jurisdiction.
41. It is true that Aditya is now in Kenya. But he was taken to
G Kenya only on the basis of fraudulently obtained orders from this Court.
In our considered view, the Indian Courts which were the Courts of first
contact and had complete jurisdiction over Aditya, must continue to
exercise such power and jurisdiction to correct the wrongs which occurred
as a result of fraudulent conduct on part of Perry. It may be stated here
76
H The Indian Penal Code, 1860
SMRITI MADAN KANSAGRA v. PERRY KANSAGRA 823
[UDAY UMESH LALIT, J.]

that at every juncture, welfare of Aditya was and will always continue A
to be the primary consideration for the Indian Courts. He was interviewed
by very competent and qualified Counsellors whose reports and
assessments have been part of the record. Aditya was also interviewed
by the Trial Court, the High Court and this Court. At no stage any
mistreatment by Smriti was even remotely suggested or adverted to by
B
Aditya. After Aditya is brought back to this country, this Court will certainly
have appropriate interactions with Aditya to understand his wishes while
considering his welfare.
42. In the premises, we pass following directions: -
(A) The Judgment dated 28.10.2020 and the Order dated C
08.12.2020 passed by this Court are recalled.
(B) The Guardianship Petition No.53 of 2012 filed by Perry in the
District Court, Saket, New Delhi seeking permanent custody of Aditya
and the resultant proceedings arising therefrom including MAT APP
(F.C.) No.30 of 2018 filed in the High Court, are dismissed. D
(C) The Orders granting custody having been recalled, the custody
of Aditya with Perry is declared to be illegal and ab initio void.
(D) Issue notice to Perry as to why proceedings in contempt
jurisdiction be not initiated against him for having violated the solemn
undertakings given to this Court, returnable on 16th November, 2021. E
The Registry is directed to register Suo Motu Contempt Case and proceed
accordingly.
(E) The notice shall additionally be served through e-mail directed
at the e-mail id used by Perry in communicating with Smriti. The details
in that behalf shall be furnished to the Registry by Smriti within two F
days.
(F) The Central Bureau of Investigation, New Delhi through its
Director is directed to initiate appropriate proceedings by registering
criminal proceedings against Perry and to secure and entrust the custody
of Aditya to Smriti. G
(G) The Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of
India, New Delhi and the Indian Embassy in Kenya are directed to ensure
that all possible assistance and logistical support is extended to Smriti in
securing the custody of Aditya.
H
824 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 10 S.C.R.

A (H) From and out of the amount of Rs.1 crore deposited by Perry
in this Court, at this stage, an amount of Rs.25 lakhs be handed over to
Smriti towards legal expense incurred or required to be incurred hereafter.
Rest of the money shall continue to be kept in deposit with the Registry
till further orders.
B 43. With these directions, Miscellaneous Application No.1167 of
2021 and connected Interim Applications are disposed of.

Divya Pandey Application disposed of.

C

D

E

F

G

H