Surat court puts pause on 7-year-old's diksha after custody row
A Surat family court has paused the diksha (monkhood initiation) of a seven-year-old Jain girl, which was planned for February 8, 2026, in Mumbai.
The move came after her father filed for custody, worried that his daughter was too young for such a big decision.
The parents separated in 2024, with the mother taking the kids to her parents' home in April 2024.
Why did the court step in?
The father said he only agreed to diksha when his daughter was older, and found out about her involvement through a community WhatsApp group.
He also claimed he wasn't allowed to visit her and that she'd been left alone at ashrams without his okay.
The court ordered an interim stay and told the mother to confirm their daughter won't take part in diksha for now.
The court's decision reflects concerns about minors being unable to decide their future at such a young age.
Next hearing is set for January 2, 2026.